The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has announced the successful prosecution of Bilikis Adeyinka for selling Nigerian currency on the streets of Ikeja, Lagos State.
Adeyinka was apprehended while selling N897,900, violating Section 21(4) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2007.
After her arrest, she admitted guilt to the charge of currency racketeering during her appearance before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of a Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos State.
The statement read further;
“Following her guilty plea, prosecution counsel, C.C. Okezie, called on Olagunju Abdul Malik, an operative of the EFCC, to review the facts of the case.
“Abdulmalik told the court that the defendant was arrested on April 27, 2024, while hawking naira notes at 10 Degree Event Centre, Billings Way, Ikeja, Lagos, following credible intelligence received by the commission.
“According to him, the sum of N897,900 was recovered from her at the point of arrest. Upon her arrest by operatives, she was duly cautioned and she volunteered her statements.”
Following the evidence presentation, Justice Aneke sentenced the offender to six months in prison or a fine of N50,000.
Additionally, he ordered the forfeiture of the N897,900 recovered from her to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
In another incident, the Maiduguri Zonal Command of the EFCC arrested five Bureau de Change operators at the Borno State Hajj Camp, located at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim College of Education in Maiduguri, based on credible intelligence regarding their participation in foreign currency trading.
The statement read;
“Operatives of the Maiduguri Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, arrested five suspected illegal Bureau De Change operators in Maiduguri, Borno State.
“The suspects were arrested in Borno State Hajj camp, situated at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim College of Education, Maiduguri. Their arrest followed credible intelligence about their involvement in the sale of foreign currencies.”
The anti-graft agency stated that it would proceed with the prosecution of the suspects once the ongoing investigation is completed.
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