Nigerian Instagram celebrity, Pascal Okechukwu, has pleaded not guilty to three counts of abusing naira banknotes. The charges against Okechukwu relate to three incidents in which he allegedly tampered with or “sprayed” NGN500 banknotes. Another Nigerian celebrity, Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin, received a six-month prison sentence for the same offence.
Nigerian Instagram Celebrity Could Face Jail Time for ‘Spraying’ National Currency
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Nigerian Authorities Clamp Down on Naira ‘Spraying’
The Nigerian Instagram celebrity, Pascal Okechukwu, has been charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with three counts of abusing the naira banknotes. Okechukwu, who faces a possible jail sentence for the alleged crimes, pleaded not guilty when he appeared in court on April 17.
According to a report by the British Broadcasting Corp. (BBC), the EFCC accuses Okechukwu, also known as Cubana Chief Priest, of throwing naira banknotes into the air at several social events. Although it has been a common practice in Nigeria, throwing money or “spraying” is forbidden, and authorities have actively discouraged the practice in recent years.
In June 2021, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) warned Nigerians that they face a minimum of six months in jail plus a fine if caught throwing or spraying money. At the time, the CBN argued that the practice was contributing to the ballooning currency printing bill, hence the need for deterrence.
Currency Spraying Deemed a Punishable Offense in Nigeria
As shown by a document filed by Rotimi Oyedepo, an EFCC prosecutor, Okechukwu is thought to have committed the offences on three occasions, twice in 2024 and once in 2020. The last offence was committed the day before Valentine’s Day.
“That you, Okechukwu Pascal on Feb. 13, 2024, at Eko Hotel, within the jurisdiction of the court, while dancing during a social event, tampered with funds in the denomination of N500 (Five Hundred Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying same for two hours, and you thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007,” reads the EFCC court filing.
Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) revealed that Okechukwu is among numerous celebrities under investigation for alleged naira abuse. In total, more than 200 Nigerians are facing prosecution for the offence, and 24 have already been convicted. In February, another Nigerian celebrity, actress Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin, was handed a six-month prison sentence for the same offence.
After his initial court appearance, Okechukwu was released upon posting bail of $8,600.
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