A NIGERIAN make-up artist has been sentenced to six months in prison for abusing the country’s currency by ‘spraying’ naira notes at his wedding — an act that’s now at the centre of growing controversy.
According to a report by the BBC, the man, Abdullahi Musa Huseini, widely known on social media as Amuscap, was sentenced by a Kano High Court shortly after he pleaded guilty to violating Nigeria’s laws on currency handling.
The incident occurred last December during Amuscap’s wedding celebration, where he was seen dancing and flinging ₦100,000 in banknotes — a tradition locally referred to as ‘spraying’ to express joy or show wealth at social events.
EFCC crackdown on currency abuse
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has stepped up enforcement of Section 21(1) of the 2007 Central Bank of Nigeria Act, which makes it illegal to spray, step on, or mishandle the naira. Offenders face a minimum of six months imprisonment, a ₦50,000 fine (about $32), or both.
In a statement, the EFCC said that Amuscap’s actions amounted to ‘tampering with the naira’ and underscored the disrespect shown toward one of the nation’s most vital symbols.
‘We are intensifying efforts to protect the integrity of the naira and ensure its respectful handling in public spaces,’ an EFCC spokesperson said.
This is not the first high-profile case. Last year, transgender influencer Bobrisky and actress Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin were both handed six-month sentences for similar offences, the BBC noted.
Public outrage and allegations of double standards
The sentencing has ignited social media backlash, with many users arguing that the punishment does not match the offence.
‘How do we justify jailing someone for spraying his own money while others who loot billions walk free?” one user posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Critics also point to the cultural significance of the act, which remains deeply embedded in Nigerian wedding celebrations, especially in the southwest.
Some legal analysts argue that while the law exists, its enforcement appears selective and raises broader questions about justice and the prioritisation of public offences.
Tradition vs law in a changing Nigeria
The act of spraying naira at events has long been seen as an expression of goodwill and celebration. However, Nigerian authorities maintain that such displays degrade the currency and encourage a culture of financial recklessness.
As the EFCC ramps up its campaign, more arrests are likely, despite growing calls for reform and leniency, especially in cases involving symbolic or cultural practices.
The case of Amuscap adds to a growing list of convictions that highlight the tension between traditional practices and modern financial regulations in Nigeria.
