A civil society group, the Initiative Against Human Rights Abuse and Torture (INAHURAT), has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged naira abuse by an Abuja-based real estate entrepreneur and socialite.
In a petition dated July 21 and received by the EFCC headquarters at 1:36 p.m. on Tuesday, INAHURAT accused the unnamed socialite of repeatedly violating Nigeria’s currency laws by spraying and trampling on naira notes during social gatherings.
According to the petition signed by INAHURAT’s National Coordinator, Gerald Katchy, the individual was seen publicly abusing the naira at events in Etsako, Edo State, and Obosi, Anambra State.
The acts were reportedly recorded and shared on the socialite’s social media pages.
Katchy stated that the conduct constitutes a breach of Section 21(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, 2007, which prohibits the spraying, dancing on, or stepping on naira notes at social events.
“It is particularly disheartening that this individual appears to act with impunity, often accompanied by law enforcement officers who fail to uphold the law,” the petition read.
The group urged the EFCC to investigate and prosecute the socialite, warning that any attempt to shield her due to her status, gender, or political ties would undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s anti-corruption drive.
“We demand the same urgency and impartiality seen in recent prosecutions.
Legal accountability must apply to all, regardless of social standing,” INAHURAT stated.
The EFCC has acknowledged receipt of the petition and registered it under reference number EFCC/PET/HQR/2932/2025.
This development follows a renewed campaign by the EFCC to curb naira abuse.
On Friday, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede emphasized that spraying or mutilating naira notes is not a cultural act but a criminal offence.
Describing the naira as a “symbol of national sovereignty,” Olukoyede announced the creation of a special task force in partnership with the CBN to combat naira abuse and the dollarisation of the economy.
He revealed that several celebrities and high-profile individuals are already under investigation.
“We take all violations seriously an offence is an offence, regardless of who commits it,” he said.
The petition comes on the heels of multiple convictions for similar offences.
On May 8, two individuals, Babatunde Olaitan and Tobilola Olamide, were sentenced to six months in prison or fined ₦200,000 for spraying naira at a nightclub in Ikoyi.
In a related case in May, Justice C.A. Obiozor of the Federal High Court in Benin sentenced Osazee Imagbenikaro to six months imprisonment for spraying ₦100 notes at a funeral.
The EFCC also filed charges against social media personality Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, for allegedly spraying ₦500 notes at events.