By Peter Omopo
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested a 24-year-old man, Iziga Jude Ikechukwu, popularly known as Easy-money, for allegedly abusing the Naira during his birthday celebration in Enugu State.
The EFCC disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, noting that the suspect, a palm kernel dealer, was apprehended by operatives of its Enugu Zonal Directorate after intelligence was received from a viral video circulating on social media.
According to the anti-graft agency, the video showed Ikechukwu recording himself while abusing Naira notes in a hotel room during his birthday party.
The Commission explained that the alleged offence contravenes Section 21 of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, 2007, which prohibits the mutilation and abuse of the Nigerian currency.
The EFCC said a preliminary investigation was carried out after receiving the intelligence, which led to the identification of the suspect and his residence.
The statement said Ikechukwu was subsequently arrested on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at his residence around the timber market in Enugu-Ezike, Enugu State.
According to the agency, the sum of N81,700, suspected to be part of the money he allegedly mutilated, was recovered from him during the arrest.
The Commission stated that the suspect will be charged to court once investigations are concluded.
Meanwhile, the EFCC also disclosed that Justice Dehinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, has ordered the forfeiture of $20,000 and CFA 110,000 to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
In a statement shared on the Commission’s official X handle on Wednesday, the EFCC explained that the funds were intercepted by operatives of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) at the Seme Border in the Badagry Local Government Area of Lagos State.
The agency said the intercepted funds were subsequently handed over to the EFCC for further investigation before the court ordered their forfeiture to the Federal Government.
