A man named Okoli Frank Emeka has been sentenced to six months in prison by a Federal High Court in Lagos. His punishment came after he was found guilty of stepping on and damaging Nigerian currency at a social event.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos Zonal Directorate 1, took Emeka to court after he admitted to a one-count charge of abusing the Naira. The judgment was given on Friday, May 23, 2025.

According to a statement by the EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the issue began after an incident on August 18, 2024. Emeka stepped on Naira notes during a party held at Al-moruf Garden in the Isheri Olofin area of Lagos.

The charge explained that Emeka trampled on Naira notes worth two million Naira at the event. This act was seen as a violation of Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act, 2007, which makes it illegal to tamper with Nigerian currency.

After pleading guilty, the prosecution presented the case with help from EFCC officer Sa’id Sada Sani. The officer said the investigation began when a video of Emeka damaging the money went viral online.

The EFCC team carried out surveillance and arrested Emeka on May 15, 2025. He was shown the video and gave a statement about his actions.

The court accepted the video and his written statement as proof. The prosecution then asked the court to find him guilty and give him a fitting sentence.

Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke agreed and sentenced Emeka to six months in prison. However, the court also gave him the option to pay a fine of N250,000 instead of serving the full jail term.