Two Nigerian content creators, Tobilola Olamide, popularly known as “TobiNation,” and Babatunde Peter Olaitan, also known as “TDollar,” have been convicted for abusing the Nigerian currency, the naira.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) secured their conviction on Monday, May 6, 2025, before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.
Their case attracted widespread attention after a video of them spraying and stepping on naira notes at a social event went viral, leading to their arrest.
During the court proceedings, the EFCC presented evidence showing how the two social media influencers flagrantly violated Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act, 2007, which prohibits the tampering, spraying, or abuse of the national currency.
Both TobiNation and TDollar pleaded guilty to the charges, and in his ruling, Justice Aneke sentenced them to six months in prison.
However, they were given an option of paying a fine of ₦200,000 each instead of serving the jail term.
The EFCC, in a statement, emphasized that this conviction is part of its ongoing effort to combat naira abuse in the country.
Reacting to the ruling, a spokesperson for the EFCC noted that the agency would continue to take decisive action against individuals who abuse the naira, regardless of their social status.
“The naira is a symbol of our national pride, and anyone who disrespects it will face the full wrath of the law,” the spokesperson stated.
This stance is part of a broader campaign by the agency to enforce respect for the naira and discourage its misuse at social events, which has become a disturbing trend in recent times.
The case of TobiNation and TDollar is not an isolated incident. The EFCC has recently intensified its crackdown on naira abuse, leading to the high-profile arrest and conviction of other celebrities.
Popular cross-dresser Bobrisky was sentenced to prison on similar charges, and the agency also questioned popular actors Iyabo Ojo and AY Makun after they were captured on video spraying money at separate events.
Though both actors were later released, their experience prompted them to advise their followers on social media to avoid spraying or trampling on currency notes at events to avoid prosecution.
Reflecting on the rise in naira abuse cases, legal analysts have warned that the public needs to be better informed about the laws surrounding currency handling in Nigeria.
“People need to understand that the naira is not just a piece of paper; it is a national symbol protected by law,” said legal expert Chinwe Okoye. “If you misuse it, you are breaking the law, and as we have seen, ignorance is not an excuse.”
The EFCC has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the naira is treated with the respect it deserves, and those who flout the law will face severe consequences.
