Nigerian Groom Sentenced to 6 Months in Jail for Spraying Money at His Wedding

Kano, Nigeria:In a case that has sparked debate across social media, a Nigerian groom has been sentenced to six months in prison for spraying national currency during his wedding celebration — a common cultural practice in many parts of Nigeria.

According to a report by the BBC, Abdullah Musa Hussaini, a popular makeup artist known on social media as “Amuscap”, was found guilty of violating Nigeria’s strict currency respect laws. The incident took place in December when Abdullah was seen dancing and spraying 100,000 Naira notes during his wedding ceremony.

While spraying money is a traditional way of expressing joy and wealth during weddings and celebrations in Nigeria, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched a campaign against this practice. The commission argues that it constitutes the defacement and disrespect of the Naira, one of the country’s most important national symbols.

Under the Central Bank of Nigeria Act of 2007, abusing currency notes – such as spraying, stepping on, or mishandling them – is a criminal offense. The law carries a punishment of at least six months in prison or a fine of 50,000 Naira, or both.

Abdullah pleaded guilty to the charges in a court in the northern city of Kano and was sentenced accordingly.

The court ruling has drawn strong reactions online, with many users calling the punishment excessive. One commenter wrote, “People who loot the country’s wealth are walking free, but someone who throws his own hard-earned money at his wedding is jailed? This is injustice.”

The case has reignited conversations about legal priorities and cultural practices in Nigeria, as well as broader discussions on how traditions intersect with modern law.