EFCC Arrests Woman Over Naira Mutilation In Maiduguri

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested a woman for alleged naira mutilation in Maiduguri. The suspect is Fatima Muhammed. Operatives of the Maiduguri Zonal Directorate arrested her on April 7.

The arrest followed a viral TikTok video. In the video, the suspect was seen using a 500 naira note to clean mucus from her nose. The act constitutes abuse and mutilation of the national currency under Nigerian law.

The EFCC stated that its operatives tracked and apprehended Muhammed within the Maiduguri metropolis. She is currently in custody at the commission’s detention facility. Investigations are ongoing. The agency will charge her to court upon conclusion of investigations.

Public Backlash Erupts

The arrest has sparked widespread backlash online. Many Nigerians accuse the commission of misplaced priorities. Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko is chairman of the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria. “House is on fire, EFCC is chasing rats,” Onwubiko wrote.

“Big thieves in government who bribe judges and INEC commissioners to rig elections in Abuja are sacred cows. But small people are exposed for your so called naira mutilation. Shame to EFCC,” he added.

Another social media user, Jamilu Abdullahi, questioned the agency’s selective approach. He referenced alleged past incidents involving politicians. Adeoluwa Oyinola urged the commission to refocus on its core responsibilities. “EFCC should concentrate on its main mandate of economic and financial crimes,” Oyinola wrote.

Criticism Continues

Gwaza Leo Awenya called on the agency to target criminals involved in more serious offences. “Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, you can do well to trace those bandits who display and march on ransom collected in the Nigerian naira too,” he said.

Abubakar SI Kankia criticised the arrest as trivial. “Instead of you channel your energy and resources to arresting big criminals, na this low budget clout chaser you’re after,” he wrote. The EFCC had not responded to the criticism at the time of this report.

The naira mutilation law prohibits spraying, tearing, or defacing the national currency. However, enforcement has historically focused on small scale offenders rather than high profile cases.