By Olu Olabinjo
Legally, IGNORANTIA LEGIS NON EXCUSAT: That is, ignorance of the LAW is not an excuse! And recent events are a compelling necessity for this kind of public legal enlightenment, for the good of all.
Henceforth, below are the NINE (9) practices that could land anybody in trouble as enshrined in Section 20 and 21(5) of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN Act.
They include:
1). Spraying of banknotes at events / owambe parties/ ceremonies
2). Writing on the banknotes (Naira)
3). Stapling by pining the banknotes (Naira)
4). Tearing the banknotes into pieces
5). Dancing / Stamping / Defacing of banknotes (NAIRA).
6). Selling of mint banknotes at events
7). Mutilation including cutting / damaging of banknotes(Naira).
8). Rejecting banknotes(Naira) as legal tender when transacting commercial activities.
9). Money Bouquet including arranging banknotes as attractive bunch of flowers to be presented as gift in social gathering/ party/ ceremony.
Statutorily, the Clean Notes Policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria was implemented with the aim of enhancing the visual appeal and durability of the banknotes in circulation, as stated on the official website of the apex bank.
Judicially and reportedly in newspapers, in February 2024, actress Oluwadara Omoseyi was sentenced to Six (6) Months imprisonment BEFORE the Social Media Imfluencer “Bobrisky” Mr. Idris Olanrewaju Okuneye was also sentenced to six (6) Months imprisonment as a result of NAIRA ABUSE by the Honourable Judge, Abimbola Awogboro at the Federal High Court on the 13th Day of April 2024.
•Olu Olabinjo, an attorney can be reached through: oluolabinjo@gmail.com
