Court Jails Two Ex-Convicts, One Other for Naira Abuse in Ibadan

Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court, sitting in Ibadan has convicted and sentenced two siblings, Amos Remilekun Ilesanmi and  Olanrewaju Samuel Ilesanmi alongside Ugbeh Emmanuel Ukali for naira notes mutilation.

The Ilesanmi brothers were ex-convicts, sentenced to three months community service each on October 2, 2024 for internet fraud, impersonation and obtaining money by false pretence by Justice Ladiran Akintola of the Oyo State High Court, Ibadan, while Ukali is presently being prosecuted a one-count charge of internet fraud before Justice Akintola.

The three were arraigned by the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on February 25, 2025 on a joint one-count charge that bordered on naira mutilation.

The charge reads: “That you Ilesanmi Amos Remilekun, Ilesanmi Olanrewaju Samuel, and Ugbeh Emmanuel Ukali on or about 6th June, 2024 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court sprayed the total sum of N391, 400.00 (Three Hundred and Ninety-one Thousand, Four Hundred Naira) of N500 and N200 (Five Hundred and Two Hundred Naira Notes) denomination issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 21(4) of the Central Bank Act, 2007 and Punishable under Section 21(1) of the same Act.”

They all pleaded “guilty” when the charge was read to them, following which prosecution counsel, Abideen Muhammad Aliyu presented a witness, Adegbite Adebayo, an EFCC operative through whom he  tendered incriminating documents and items and urged the court to convict and sentence the defendants as charged. Counsel to the defendants, Akinlabi Akinfala, however, prayed the court to temper justice with mercy in sentencing the defendants, arguing that they are first-time offenders and have become remorseful.

Justice Agomoh convicted and sentenced the defendants to six months imprisonment each, without option of fine and ordered their forfeiture of N391, 400.00 (Three Hundred and Ninety-one Thousand, Four hundred Naira) to the federal government, being the sum they sprayed.

The convicts’ journey to the correctional centre began with their arrest sometime in June, 2024 in an Akure night club, Ondo State where they sprayed and trampled upon naira notes.

Dele Oyewale
Head, Media & Publicity
March 10, 2025

Agent Joyce Idanmuze KREENO Private Investigation Unit

Key Lessons and Morals from the News Article - By Probitas Report Advisory Board 

1. Respect for National Currency
- The naira is a legal tender and must be treated with respect. Mutilating, spraying, or trampling on naira notes is illegal and punishable by law.  
- Citizens must understand and uphold the Central Bank Act, 2007, which prohibits defacing or mishandling currency.  

2. Crime Has Consequences 
- Engaging in fraudulent activities or violating financial laws can lead to serious legal repercussions.  
- The convicted individuals, including ex-convicts, faced legal consequences despite previous convictions, highlighting that repeat offenses increase punishment severity.  
- Legal action serves as a deterrent to others who might consider similar offenses.  

3. Law Enforcement is Active in Financial Crimes 
- The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) actively pursues financial crimes, including internet fraud and naira abuse.  
- Those who believe such offenses go unnoticed should realize that law enforcement agencies are monitoring and prosecuting offenders.  

4. Nightclub Culture and Financial Indiscipline  
- The case reveals how reckless spending and financial indiscipline in social gatherings, such as nightclubs, can lead to legal troubles.  
- People should exercise financial responsibility and respect public laws, even in celebratory settings.  

5. Importance of Legal Awareness 
- Many people unknowingly break financial laws, thinking actions like spraying money at parties are harmless.  
- Public education on financial regulations, particularly regarding currency handling laws, is essential to prevent future violations.  

6. Rehabilitation and Second Chances 
- The fact that two of the convicts were ex-convicts previously sentenced for internet fraud shows that rehabilitation efforts are not always effective if offenders do not truly reform.  
- Society must emphasize proper reintegration programs for ex-convicts to reduce repeat offenses.  

7. The Judiciary Enforces the Law Strictly
- The court’s decision to impose a six-month sentence without the option of a fine reinforces the seriousness of naira abuse.  
- The Nigerian judiciary is upholding strict penalties to curb financial crimes and promote accountability.  

8. Financial Crimes Impact the Economy  
- Illegal activities such as naira mutilation and fraud erode public trust in the financial system.  
- Protecting the integrity of the national currency is essential for economic stability and international reputation.  

Final Moral Takeaway: 
Money should be handled responsibly and lawfully. Ignorance of financial regulations does not exempt individuals from punishment. Upholding integrity in financial dealings protects individuals from legal consequences and contributes to national economic stability.

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