Popular Nigerian (Nollywood) actress Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin, widely known as Simi Gold in Nollywood, has been sentenced to six months imprisonment for tampering with newly issued naira notes. The incident, which occurred at a friend’s wedding in Lekki, Lagos, last year, came to light after a video surfaced online showing the actress spraying and stepping on the redesigned currency.
Omoseyin’s arrest took place in February of the previous year, following the circulation of the video, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged her with currency misuse. The video depicted the actress dancing at the wedding, flaunting wads of the newly redesigned 100,000-naira notes.
Initially pleading not guilty, Omoseyin later changed her plea to guilty when confronted with what the EFCC described as “overwhelming” evidence against her. According to the commission’s statement, the actress claimed to have received the new naira notes from fans at the party and insisted she did not know the individuals who gave her the money.
During the court hearing on Thursday, Omoseyin, through her lawyer, pleaded for leniency, highlighting her status as a first-time offender and a mother of one. She also requested a non-custodial sentence. However, the presiding judge, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, sentenced the actress to six months imprisonment with the option to pay a $250 fine.
The sentencing comes at a time when Nigeria experienced a severe scarcity of naira cash, following the controversial withdrawal of old 200, 500, and 1,000 notes from circulation. Last November, the country’s central bank clarified that the old bank notes would remain legal tender, putting an end to months of uncertainty.
It remains unclear whether Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin, also known as Simi Gold, intends to appeal against the court ruling. The case highlights the importance of respecting and preserving the integrity of the nation’s currency, especially during times of economic transition.
