The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested three individuals in Maiduguri, Borno State, over alleged mutilation of the Naira following the circulation of a viral video on social media.
The suspects, identified as Adam Muhammad, Muhammad Muhammad and Bashir Musa, were picked up by operatives of the EFCC Maiduguri Zonal Directorate after a clip surfaced online showing them allegedly using a N500 note to wipe mucus from their noses.
The footage sparked widespread reactions, with many Nigerians condemning what they described as abuse of the national currency. Under Nigerian law, spraying, defacing or mishandling the Naira is an offence punishable by fines or imprisonment.
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In a statement shared on its official Facebook page on Thursday, the anti graft agency confirmed that the trio were tracked and apprehended within the Maiduguri metropolis. The commission said the arrests followed intelligence gathered after the video gained traction across social media platforms.
The EFCC disclosed that the suspects are currently in custody at its Maiduguri office, where investigations are ongoing. It added that they will be charged to court upon the conclusion of inquiries.
The arrest underscores the commission’s renewed focus on enforcing laws against Naira abuse, a trend that has drawn increasing scrutiny amid a series of high profile cases across the country.
