Kannywood actress Samha Inuwa is in custody following her arrest by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged currency mutilation.
Inuwa was apprehended on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, by operatives from the EFCC’s Kano Zonal Directorate. The arrest stemmed from a viral social media video showing the actress using Nigerian Naira banknotes to wipe her nose.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the arrest in an official statement. He explained that the Commission’s operatives tracked Inuwa after the video circulated widely online. She is now detained at the EFCC’s facility in Kano for questioning regarding the alleged abuse of the Naira, a prosecutable offense under Nigeria’s Central Bank Act.
The law prohibits actions that deface, mutilate, or otherwise damage currency notes. Violations can carry penalties including fines and imprisonment. Oyewale stated that investigations are ongoing and that Inuwa will be formally charged in court once the probe concludes.
The incident has drawn significant public attention, highlighting the strict enforcement of Nigeria’s currency protection laws. As a prominent figure in Kannywood—the robust Hausa-language film industry based in Northern Nigeria—Inuwa’s case also underscores how social media content can trigger legal consequences for public figures.
The EFCC’s swift response signals its continued focus on enforcing financial regulations, including those pertaining to the national currency. The case now moves to the investigative phase, with prosecution expected to follow the commission’s findings.
