A dramatic scene unfolded in Kano on Friday as a Federal High Court handed down a stunning sentence to popular Kannywood actress, Saadatu Mohammed Inuwa, over the abuse of Nigeria’s currency — an offence many Nigerians often overlook.
Delivering judgment at the Federal High Court in Kano, Justice S.M Shuaibu convicted and sentenced the actress, popularly known as Samha, to six months imprisonment for mutilating the naira.
The court heard that the actress tampered with a N1000 note issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria in 2022 by soiling it with her nose — an act that violates Section 21(1) of the CBN Act, 2007.
Inuwa, who faced a one-count charge, pleaded guilty when the charge was read in court. Following her admission, prosecuting counsel Musa Isah reviewed the facts and urged the court to convict and sentence her accordingly.
In an emotional appeal, the actress begged the court for leniency, describing herself as a first-time offender who had shown genuine remorse for her actions.
However, Justice Shuaibu found her guilty and sentenced her to six months imprisonment, with an option of a N200,000 fine.
The ruling sends a strong warning on the legal consequences of abusing the Nigerian currency, an offence authorities have increasingly moved to enforce.