Popular TikTok personality, Murja Ibrahim Kunya, has been sentenced to six months imprisonment by the Federal High Court in Kano for abusing the Nigerian currency.
The sentence, according to a statement by the EFCC on their official X account was delivered on Wednesday by Justice Simon Amobeda, also includes an option of a ₦50,000 fine.
Kunya, who gained widespread attention on social media for her controversial content, was found guilty of spraying and trampling on Naira notes during a dance session at Tahir Guest Palace in Kano. The incident reportedly occurred on December 28, 2023, and drew public criticism after videos of the act surfaced online.
According to reports, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had initially arrested the influencer in January 2025 for violating Section 21(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007, which prohibits the abuse and mutilation of the national currency. She was released on administrative bail but later absconded, prompting a manhunt by the anti-graft agency.
Read also: EFCC re-arrests Kano Tiktok influencer for alleged Naira abuse
Meanwhile, EFCC operatives re-arrested Kunya on March 16, 2025, after weeks of surveillance. She was arraigned on May 20, 2025, where she pleaded guilty to the amended one-count charge.
“You, Murja Ibrahim Kunya, on the 28th of December, 2023 at Tahir Guest Palace, Kano, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, whilst dancing… tampered with Naira notes issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying and matching on same,” the statement read in part.
In court, prosecution counsel Musa Isah reviewed the facts and urged the judge to convict her in line with her plea.
However, Justice Amobeda did not only impose a custodial sentence but also directed Kunya to serve as an Ambassador for the EFCC and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in online campaigns against Naira abuse.
“The court considers the influence of the convict on the youth through her social media platforms. This is an opportunity for her to contribute positively by educating her followers on the value of the Naira and the consequences of abusing it,” Justice Amobeda stated during sentencing.
In the meantime, Kunya is now expected to use her platforms to raise awareness on the need to respect the national currency and abide by financial regulations.
