Man Sentenced to One Year for Naira Note Abuse

Iziga Jude Ikechukwu, a 24-year-old palm kernel dealer, was sentenced to one year in prison by Justice F.O. Giwa Ogunbanjo of the Federal High Court in Enugu State for abusing naira notes during a birthday celebration.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) reported that Ikechukwu was arraigned on March 26, 2026, for mutilating naira notes totaling N81,700. The offense occurred on February 22, 2026, at the Embassy Hotel in Enugu, where he was seen in a viral video celebrating his birthday and damaging the currency.

Ikechukwu pleaded guilty to the charges, and the court subsequently convicted him, offering an option of a fine of N300,000. Additionally, the court ordered the recovery of the N81,700 and the forfeiture of the amount to the federal government.

Ikechukwu was arrested on February 28, 2026, following intelligence received by the EFCC.