Wafric News – May 13, 2025

Lagos, Nigeria — Two popular Nigerian TikTok influencers, Tobilola Olamide, known online as TobiNation, and Babatunde Peter Olaitan, aka TDollar, have been sentenced to prison by a Lagos court for abusing the Nigerian currency, the Naira.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) confirmed the conviction on Monday, May 6, 2025, following their arraignment before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi.

Their sentencing comes after a video circulated online showing the duo spraying and stepping on naira notes during a social gathering — a practice now outlawed under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007. Both men pleaded guilty to the charges.

Justice Aneke handed each of them a six-month prison sentence with an option of a ₦200,000 fine.

The case is the latest in a series of arrests and prosecutions targeting currency abuse, as Nigerian authorities move to clamp down on what they describe as a growing culture of financial misconduct at social events.

EFCC’s recent campaign has seen public figures including cross-dresser Bobrisky jailed for similar offences. Actors Iyabo Ojo and AY Makun were also recently invited by the commission for questioning after allegedly spraying naira at events. Though they were released, both later took to social media to caution Nigerians against the practice.

Legal analysts and cultural commentators remain divided on the crackdown. While some applaud the enforcement as necessary for maintaining currency integrity, others question whether the EFCC's efforts reflect misplaced priorities amid broader economic and governance challenges.

Still, the message from authorities is clear: spraying or mishandling the Naira — no matter your fame or following — could land you behind bars.


By WafricNews Desk.