Abuja, Nigeria – July 2025 — A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced one Abdullahi Usman to five years in prison for currency counterfeiting, following his conviction on charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Usman was arraigned on a one-count charge bordering on the possession and distribution of counterfeit naira notes. According to the EFCC, he was apprehended with fake currency in varying denominations, which he intended to circulate as legal tender — a clear violation of Section 5(1)(b) of the Counterfeit Currency (Special Provisions) Act.
The charge read:
“That you, Abdullahi Usman, on or about the 10th day of June 2025 in Abuja, knowingly had in your possession counterfeit Naira notes with intent to pass them off as genuine, and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 5(1)(b) of the Counterfeit Currency (Special Provisions) Act, Cap C35 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.”
Upon arraignment, the defendant pleaded guilty, prompting the prosecution counsel to tender relevant exhibits and urge the court to convict him accordingly.
Justice Ibrahim Mohammed found the defendant guilty and sentenced him to five years imprisonment without an option of fine, citing the severity of the crime and its implications for the nation’s financial system.
The EFCC reiterated its commitment to ridding the country of economic and financial crimes, including acts capable of undermining the integrity of Nigeria’s currency.
