Don’t let money bouquet land you in jail this valentine

For commemoration of events like birthday or anniversaries and of course, Valentine, money bouquet is a hit as a gift and a norm. But do you know that Valentine’s Day bouquet can land you in prison. So as this year’s Valentine day draws near, so is the likelihood of a jail term for some people; it is important to watch the gift you send or receive.

Of all gifts, money bouquets can earn you prison time in Nigeria, so while it is beautiful, it may not be the best idea. Why? In February 2023, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced that money bouquets and money cakes are forms of Naira abuse and a criminal offence under Section 21 of the CBN Act, 2007 with a punishment of six months imprisonment or a fine of ₦50,000 for anyone found guilty.

Another offence is spraying money so when the surprise band is sent to celebrate you with paranran, be careful of being sprayed money because this is a punishable offence. And it is no longer an ordinary law on paper without effect; an actress, Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin, was recently sentenced to six months in prison after being arrested by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) after a video of her spraying and stepping on the new naira notes circulated on the internet on February 1, 2023.

Also, the CBN, in a tweet accompanied by a flier, had previously cautioned Nigerians against making money bouquet, calling it a criminal offence, adding that spraying, selling, squeezing and defacing remains an abuse of the naira.

The CBN said it is the civic duty of all Nigerians, to protect the naira and report naira abuse. It even provided toll-free hotlines through which the CBN could be reached to report the abuse on the naira.

Omoseyin’s offence according to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), contravenes Section 21 of the CBN Act, 2007. This section states that “A person who tampers with a coin or note issued by the Bank is guilty of an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to imprisonment for a term not less than six months or to a fine not less than N50,000 or both such fine and imprisonment.”