Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Lagos/Kano, Nigeria — The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested popular Kannywood actress Samha Inuwa over alleged naira mutilation after a video showing her handling the national currency in a manner that drew public criticism went viral on social media.
According to the anti-graft agency, operatives apprehended Inuwa on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, after tracing her following circulation of the video in which she was reportedly seen cleaning mucus from her nose using naira notes — an act that potentially contravenes Nigerian laws designed to protect the integrity of the nation’s currency.
The EFCC said it swung into action once the footage gained attention online, identifying the actress and inviting her for questioning before effecting her arrest. She is currently being held at the Commission’s detention facility in Kano, where investigators are questioning her as part of ongoing inquiries.
In a public statement, the agency noted that the suspect will be charged to court upon completion of investigations, although formal charges had not yet been filed at the time of reporting.
Naira mutilation and abuse — including actions that deface, spray, burn or otherwise disrespect the national currency — are offences under the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, and carry penalties intended to protect the value and sanctity of legal tender.
This is not the first time the EFCC has taken action on naira misuse in Kano; social media influencers and entertainers have previously been targeted for similar alleged offences, and at least one person was convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for naira abuse in 2025.
The arrest has reignited discussions on public conduct, respect for national symbols and the enforcement of financial laws, with stakeholders calling for balanced application of the law while stressing the need for public awareness on legal obligations around the handling of the naira.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments