Segun Atanda/
Thank God it’s Friday. But read this before you get the party started.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Police in Lagos are set to prosecute those who spray the Naira at parties among other abuses.
“It’s a punishable offence for any person to hawk, sell or otherwise trade in the Naira notes, coins or any other note issued by the Central Bank. It is also an offence to spray, dance, or match on the Naira note or any note issued by the Central Bank during social occasions,” the Lagos Police Public Relations Department says in a statement issued today.
To kick-start the offensive against Naira abuse, six members of a syndicate involved in illegal currency trafficking were arrested, today, at Oshodi and Lagos Island areas of the state.
NewsmakersNG learnt that the syndicate was smashed in a joint operation by the police and CBN officials.
According to the police, the suspects were caught with N855, 290 in N20, N50 and N200 denominations.
“The suspects have violated Section 21, sub-section (4) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007 and shall be brought to justice accordingly,” says the police.
The statement further says, “On a need to know, and for the avoidance of doubt, the law in question makes it a punishable offence for any person to hawk, sell or otherwise trade in the Naira notes, coins or any other note issued by the Central Bank. It is also an offence punishable under the Act to spray, dance or match on the Naira note or any note issued by the Central Bank during social occasions.
“The Command seizes this opportunity to advise the general public to desist from engaging in this illegality as violators shall be made to face the full wrath of the law.”
Meanwhile, the police spokesperson, SP Dolapo Badmos, today passed the baton of the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer to a new officer, ASP Olarinde Famous-Cole, who had served as her deputy.
Famous-Cole signed the statement issued today.
Here is a YouTube video of Nigerians breaking the law: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbHuZ6FyPl8
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This is a massive welcome news!!! I believe if the frivolous display of opulence is curtailed at parties, may be it might deter those hungry for quick wealth in order to showcase abundance.
The abuse of naira at parties should have been long discouraged because this act has attracted all sorts criminal activities in the country.
Thank you sir . Good thoughts.
My dear bro; in as much as your view could be generally accepted. I am of the opinion that there no proof that people are seeking quick wealth in other to spray at parties and showcase abundance of wealth. Spraying of celebrants has been around as a culture and tradition in Nigerian for years even before British Colonisation and the Nigerian Independence. The issue is that there should be adequate controls in place to mitigate the risks of embezzlement of public funds and cultivated corruption within the National identified as Nigeria.
I now pity the local traditional drums and sekere men (Agidigbo musicians) who go around playing drums at local private parties who earn their keeps from the little 50 Naira notes thrown at them.
I do appreciate your take on this particular issue but the truth is people still their appreciations at parties and other social events by enveloping cash gift to either the playing artist or the celebrants. In the colonial era you mentioned, if at all money was sprayed at parties, you would agree with me, it’s not at the level of frivolity we experience at parties today. However, I still feel no matter how people perceived this decision, I still feel it’s a right step.
Many thanks my bro for candid response. My greatest worry is that these restrictions, so-called laws and regulations are made; however, they’re only enforced if at all on the common man on the street. I bring to your attention a very recent 60th Birthday Party celebration of the Ex-Governor of Ogun State (Otunba Gbenga Daniels) in Lagos, within the last two weeks. There was evidence of heavy spraying of the Nigerian Naira notes in display (never concealed) with Nigerian Police men/women present as security personnel.
The party video is titled ‘See How Billionaires Party At Gbenga Daniel’s 60th Birthday’.
I wish it can be extended to the north.
Stupid laws that are made which are deemed baseless with no atom of common sense.
In the first instance it’s the officials of the so-called Central Banks and Commercial who encourage the selling of the new Naira notes to hawkers. The Banks officials do make serious kills from the unlawful sales.
The new law also refers to prohibition on spraying of money (Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). So what does this mean; I have ultimate right to spray US Dollar and British Pound Sterling Notes, at parties as the restrictions do not cover this aspect, but restricted to Nigerian Notes issued by CBN?
WHAT A LOAD OF BALONEY!