The Kano office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) secured the conviction of social media influencer Murja Ibrahim Kunya on Wednesday before Justice Simon Amobeda at the Federal High Court in Kano.
According to a statement from EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, Kunya was charged for abusing the Nigerian currency by spraying and stepping on Naira notes while dancing in a hotel room at Tahir Guest Palace, Kano.
EFCC officials initially arrested her in January 2025 for violating the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, which prohibits the abuse and mutilation of Naira notes. She was granted administrative bail ahead of her court appearance.
However, Kunya later absconded, evading her scheduled arraignment. Following weeks of surveillance, EFCC operatives rearrested her on March 16, 2025. She was arraigned on 20 May 2025 and pleaded guilty to the amended charge.
The charge stated that on 28 December 2023, Kunya tampered with Naira notes by spraying and stepping on them, contrary to Section 21(1) of the CBN Act, 2007.
Prosecuting counsel Musa Isah reviewed the facts of the case and urged the court to convict her. Justice Amobeda sentenced Kunya to six months’ imprisonment, with the option of a ₦50,000 fine.
In addition to the sentence, the court appointed Kunya as a social media ambassador for the EFCC and CBN. She is required to use her online platforms to raise awareness about respecting the Naira and the legal consequences of currency abuse.