Ignorance of the law is not an excuse. The arrest of controversial cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, over alleged abuse of the naira should serve as a lesson on the proper use of the currency note.
Development Diaries reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced the arrest of Bobrisky for alleged abuse of naira notes, spraying of naira notes, and currency mutilation.
Anyone found ‘spraying of, dancing or stepping on the naira or any note issued by the bank during a social occasion or otherwise’ is subject to fines, imprisonment, or both under the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act.
Section 21, subsection (three) of the law states, ‘For the avoidance of doubt, spraying of, dancing or matching on the naira or any note issued by the bank during social occasions or otherwise howsoever shall constitute an abuse and defacing of the naira or such note and shall be punishable under sub-section (one) of this section.
Subsection one states that such a person is liable to imprisonment for a term not less than six months or to a fine not less than N50,000 or both.
The improper use or abuse of national currency compromises the integrity of the nation’s financial system and should be discouraged.
Nigerians and other nationalities in the country can learn from this incident about the need for responsible financial behaviour and adherence to legal guidelines governing currency use.
This development also highlights the need for financial education and awareness across all sectors of society about the laws governing naira handling.
Before now, there have been many incidents of naira abuse that stem from ignorance or negligence regarding the proper handling and use of money.
Unfortunately, many people have been doing this and going scot-free.
Development Diaries calls on other Nigerians and users of the currency note to use it responsibly, in line with the CBN laws regarding naira handling.
We also call on the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the CBN to facilitate sensitisation or awareness programmes on the responsible use of the naira as legally documented.
Photo source: EFCC