A local government councillor in Katsina State, Nuhu Ali has been reported to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly abusing the Nigerian Naira during a public event.
The councillor, who represents Doro Ward in Bindawa Local Government Area, was accused of openly spraying and mishandling currency notes in clear violation of Section 21 of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, 2007, which criminalises tampering with the nation’s legal tender.
A petition filed on September 22, 2025, by Abuja-based public affairs analyst, Dr. Sani Ahmad, directly named the Councilor and accused him of setting “a dangerous example for the youth and undermining the sanctity of Nigeria’s currency.”
In the petition stamped RECEIVED at the EFCC Headquarters in Abuja, Dr. Ahmad wrote: “It has come to my knowledge, with credible evidence and witnesses available, that the said Councilor engaged in the public abuse of the Nigerian currency during a recent event. Specifically, he was seen spraying and spreading the Naira notes in a careless and unlawful manner, thereby violating Section 21 of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, 2007. This act was carried out in full view of the public, setting a bad precedent and undermining the sanctity of our national currency.”
Section 21 of the CBN Act prescribes a minimum fine of ₦50,000 or six months’ imprisonment, or both, for anyone convicted of spraying, dancing on, mutilating, or otherwise defacing the Naira.
Dr. Ahmad accused the Katsina politician of “blatantly disregarding the law despite being a public officer expected to lead by example.
He urged the EFCC to prosecute the case to conclusion and use it as a deterrent to other politicians who trivialize financial laws while ordinary citizens face arrest and humiliation for the same offense.
He also pledged to cooperate with investigators: “I am ready to provide additional details and cooperate with the Commission to ensure that justice is served. This petition is submitted in good faith, to uphold the dignity of Nigeria’s legal framework and protect the value of our national currency.”
The petition raises fresh questions about the Nigerian government’s selective enforcement of the CBN Act. While ordinary Nigerians, especially women at weddings, have been publicly paraded, fined, and jailed for naira spraying, powerful politicians often escape punishment for the same offense.
A document obtained by SaharaReporters indicates that the EFCC has acknowledged and received the petition.
SaharaReporters had also reported how a journalist and editor of Albishir Hausa Newspaper, Zuhair Ali Ibraheem, was arrested and remanded in Katsina State over a report exposing a ₦30million debt scandal involving the councilor.
The journalist’s arrest was confirmed to SaharaReporters by his brother, who described the development as a gross abuse of power aimed at silencing free press in the state.
The source said Ibraheem was picked up in Zaria, Kaduna State, last Monday by police operatives allegedly acting on the instructions of Councilor Nuhu.
His arrest followed the publication of an investigative story that detailed how the councilor allegedly borrowed ₦30million from a businessman, Alhaji Ibrahim Bindawa, under the pretext that the money was meant for a “special assignment” linked to Governor Dikko Radda.