A federal high court in Kano, northern Nigeria, sentenced Murja Kunya, a popular TikTok influencer, to six months in prison for "spraying" Nigerian naira notes at a party—a culturally common celebratory act that is legally prohibited as an insult to the national currency.
Murja Kunya, aged 26, who boasts more than a million followers on social media, pleaded guilty to the offence. Justice Simon Amobeda also gave her the option to pay a fine of ₦50,000 ($33) and ordered her appointment as an online campaigner against currency abuse, leveraging her significant social media influence.
Kunya has previously faced multiple arrests due to videos authorities deemed immoral in Kano's conservative Muslim society. The Hisbah, Kano’s Sharia enforcement police, have repeatedly taken action against her content.
In January, Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested Kunya after she posted a video showing her spraying naira notes in a hotel room. Although initially granted administrative bail, she absconded and failed to attend court proceedings. After weeks of evasion, the EFCC rearrested her in March. Upon arraignment, she admitted guilt.
While "spraying" banknotes is a widespread tradition at Nigerian celebrations, a 2007 law bans the mutilation or disrespect of the naira, carrying punishments of up to six months imprisonment and fines. Enforcement of this law has intensified since last year. Critics argue that the law is applied selectively, though several celebrities have faced similar charges under its provisions.
