The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested three men in Maiduguri, Borno State, over alleged mutilation of the naira after a viral video showed them using a N500 note to clean their nose.
The suspects — Adam Muhammad, Muhammad Muhammad and Bashir Musa — were apprehended by operatives of the anti-graft agency following the circulation of the video on social media.
PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the clip, which sparked outrage online, showed one of the suspects allegedly defacing the Nigerian currency in contravention of provisions of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, which criminalises the abuse and mutilation of the naira.
Sources within the commission disclosed that the suspects were traced and arrested within Maiduguri shortly after the video went viral.
They are currently being held at the EFCC’s Maiduguri Zonal Directorate detention facility as investigations continue.
An official of the commission, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment publicly, said the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The EFCC has repeatedly warned Nigerians against spraying, defacing and mutilating the national currency, stressing that such acts are punishable under the law.
Meanwhile, a prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, on Wednesday told a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory that over N109m withdrawn from various local government accounts in Kogi State was used to procure goods and services for the councils.
The witness, Olomotane Egoro, a compliance officer with Access Bank Plc, testified as the 10th prosecution witness in the trial.
Led in evidence by the prosecution, Egoro informed the court that the funds traced to different local government accounts were expended on agrochemicals, medical supplies, sports materials and relief items intended for the councils.
At the commencement of his testimony, the witness tendered 13 documents before the court, including account opening packages and bank statements linked to the Kogi State Government House Administration and certain contractors allegedly involved in the transactions.
The trial was adjourned for continuation of hearing.
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