Operatives of the Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have re-arrested popular TikTok personality Murja Ibrahim Kunya for alleged abuse and mutilation of the Nigerian Naira.
The arrest, executed on Sunday, March 16, 2025, follows weeks of evasion by the influencer, who had previously jumped administrative bail granted by the Commission.
Kunya, known for her controversial social media presence, was initially detained in January 2025 after a video surfaced showing her allegedly spraying Naira notes at a social event in a hotel room at Tahir Guest Palace, Kano.
The act violates Section 21 of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act 2007, which criminalizes defacing, mutilating, or improper handling of the national currency.
After her initial arrest, Kunya was released on administrative bail pending arraignment at the Federal High Court in Kano. However, the EFCC reported that she failed to appear for court proceedings, prompting a coordinated search operation.
“The suspect has been on the run for over a month, but our operatives remained relentless in pursuing all leads,” stated an EFCC spokesperson. “Her re-arrest underscores our commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s legal tender.”
Kunya is currently held in custody at the EFCC’s Kano Zonal Directorate and is expected to face charges related to currency mutilation. If convicted, she could face penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment under the CBN Act.
The Commission reiterated its warning against the cultural practice of spraying, stepping on, or mishandling Naira notes at social gatherings, emphasizing that such acts undermine the currency’s value and contravene national laws.
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