The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) has arrested a female suspect over alleged mutilation of the naira in Maiduguri, following a viral video that sparked public outrage.
The commission disclosed that the suspect was picked up on Tuesday after a clip circulated on social media platform TikTok, showing her allegedly using an N500 note to clean mucus from her nose.
EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, noting that operatives acted swiftly after the video gained traction online.
According to him, “The suspect was arrested following a viral video circulated on TikTok, where she was seen cleaning mucus from her nose with an N500 note.”
Oyewale explained that the suspect was tracked and apprehended within the Maiduguri metropolis shortly after the video surfaced, adding that she is currently in custody as investigations continue.
“The suspect is currently being held at the Maiduguri detention facility while investigation is ongoing,” he added.
He further stated that the suspect would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The act of naira mutilation is a punishable offence under Nigeria’s laws governing the handling of the national currency, with offenders liable to prosecution upon conviction.
The development underscores the EFCC’s renewed crackdown on currency abuse, particularly in cases amplified by social media exposure.
Authorities have repeatedly warned Nigerians against abusing the naira, stressing that such acts undermine the dignity of the nation’s legal tender.
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