TikTok influencers fined for naira abuse in Ibadan

By Adejayan Gbenga –

The Federal High Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, has convicted two TikTok influencers, Bukola Arike Rufai and Abdulateef Ayinde Jimoh, for abusing the naira.

The duo was arraigned by the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a one-count charge of currency mutilation.

According to the charge, they were seen trampling on naira notes issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria on or about September 25, 2024. Their actions violate Section 21(3) of the CBN Act, 2007, and are punishable under Section 21(1) of the same Act.

Both defendants pleaded guilty when the charge was read to them. Prosecution counsel, Lanre Suleiman, presented evidence and urged the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.

Pleading for leniency, their lawyer, O.D. Ajadi, told the court they were first-time offenders who had shown remorse.

In her ruling, Justice Uche Agomoh convicted them and imposed a fine of ₦50,000 each.

The duo landed in trouble after sharing a video on TikTok where they were seen spraying and trampling on naira notes.