A Kannywood film star has been convicted and sentenced to six months in prison for damaging a Nigerian currency note, the Federal High Court in Kano ruled on Friday, February 13, 2026.
The actress, Saadatu Mohammed Inuwa, popularly known as Samha, was found guilty of a single count charge related to the mutilation of the Naira. The case stems from an incident in 2022 where she allegedly soiled a one-thousand-naira banknote with her nose, an act prosecuted under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, 2007. This section prohibits the defacement, burning, or mutilation of Nigeria’s currency notes and coins.
During the proceedings, Ms. Inuwa pleaded guilty to the charge. Prosecuting counsel Musa Isah presented the facts and subsequently urged the court to convict and sentence the defendant. Through her legal representation, the actress pleaded for leniency, citing she was a first-time offender and expressed genuine remorse for her actions.
Despite the plea, Justice S.M Shuaibu delivered a verdict of conviction. The court sentenced Ms. Inuwa to a six-month term of imprisonment. However, the sentence includes an option to pay a fine of two hundred thousand naira (N200,000.00) as an alternative to incarceration.
The conviction highlights the strict enforcement of Nigeria’s currency protection laws. The CBN Act specifically criminalizes actions that deface or mutilate the Naira to safeguard its integrity, physical condition, and public confidence in the national currency. Offences under this law are taken seriously, with penalties intended to deter public acts that could undermine monetary policy and currency management.
The case, involving a public figure from the influential Kannywood industry, underscores that legal provisions apply equally to all citizens. It also serves as a public reminder of the legal consequences of mishandling the national currency, regardless of intent. The sentencing option of a fine or imprisonment provides the court with discretion based on the specifics of each case, including factors like contrition and prior record.
This ruling reinforces the legal framework surrounding the Naira, which remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic sovereignty. Public awareness of these regulations is considered crucial for maintaining the physical quality and security of the currency in circulation across the country.
