A Federal High Court in Kano has sentenced popular Nigerian makeup artist Abdullahi Musa Huseini, known as “Amuscap,” to six months in prison for spraying naira notes during his wedding celebration—an act deemed illegal under Nigeria’s currency protection laws.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced the conviction on Monday, stating that Huseini was found guilty of “abuse and defacement” of the national currency after he was seen tossing one hundred 1,000-naira notes (approximately $63 USD) in public during his December 2023 wedding. The event, widely shared on social media, caught the attention of authorities amid a broader crackdown on naira abuse.
The act of spraying naira, a culturally embedded tradition in Nigerian celebrations such as weddings, birthdays, and parties, violates the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act of 2007, which criminalizes the mishandling, writing on, or mutilation of currency. Offenders face fines or imprisonment.
Huseini’s sentence comes on the heels of similar convictions involving Nigerian celebrities. In 2023, controversial media personality Bobrisky was handed a six-month sentence without the option of a fine for spraying money at a film premiere. Actress Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin was also convicted after a video showed her spraying and stepping on naira notes at a party.
These prosecutions have ignited national debate about the balance between cultural expression and legal enforcement. Critics argue that the law is selectively applied and disproportionately targets high-profile figures for public spectacle. Others, including the EFCC and CBN, maintain that upholding the sanctity of the naira is essential, particularly as Nigeria battles persistent inflation, currency depreciation, and economic instability. The EFCC has reiterated its commitment to continue enforcing currency protection laws, urging the public to handle naira notes with respect and in accordance with legal provisions.
