A Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, has handed down convictions to 12 individuals for the illicit practice of spraying the naira at a social gathering. Presided over by Justice Hyeladzira Nganjiwa, the court session also saw an order for the permanent forfeiture of seven high-end vehicles, previously seized from convicted cybercriminals, to the Nigerian government.
The EFCC Benin Zonal Directorate brought the case against the 12 defendants, who include Abimbola Dolapo, Ufuoma Okotie, Samuel Kingsley, Rasaki Ayomide, Ekpmamuku Oghenekewvwe, Abraham Eriata, Favour Onowighose, Karaki Emmanuel Ejioghene, Simeon Sabastine, Valentine Chikeze, Omoyibo Destiny Prince, and Akenuwa Clinton Osamudiamen. They were charged with violating the Central Bank of Nigeria Act of 2007 by mishandling the currency during a celebration.
Each individual entered a plea of guilty to the charges. While the defense requested a lenient sentence, citing the defendants’ remorse, Justice Nganjiwa issued a sentence of six months in prison for each person, with the option of paying a fine. Most were given a fine of N150,000, while Akenuwa Clinton Osamudiamen was ordered to pay N200,000. Additionally, the group committed to avoiding further illegal activities.
In a separate ruling on July 17, 2026, the court authorized the federal government to seize seven luxury cars linked to fraudulent internet activities. These vehicles include three Mercedes Benz GLK models, a Mercedes Benz ML, a Mercedes Benz GLC, and two Lexus models (ES 350 and RX 330).
