The Federal High Court in Kano has adjourned the sentencing of TikTok influencer Murja Ibrahim Kunya to May 20, following a request by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to amend the charge against her.
Kunya is facing a one-count charge filed by the EFCC for allegedly abusing the naira.
She was captured in a viral video spraying and dancing on N400,000 during a party held at the Tahir Guest Palace Hotel in December 2024. The defendant has already pleaded guilty to the charge.
At Tuesday’s sitting, which was scheduled for judgment, EFCC counsel Musa Isa applied for a charge amendment, which was opposed by the defence counsel Abubakar Saka.
Saka argued that the change could delay proceedings and affect his client’s right to a fair trial. He also noted that the defence team required adequate time to study the new charge.
Justice Simon Amobeda granted the prosecution’s application and adjourned the matter to May 20 for continuation. The court also ruled that the defendant should remain in the custody of her legal counsel under the existing undertaking to ensure her appearance.
Kunya was initially arrested in January for violating the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, which prohibits the abuse and mutilation of naira notes.
She was granted administrative bail by the EFCC but failed to appear in court, prompting the Commission to launch a pursuit. After weeks of investigation and surveillance, EFCC operatives re-arrested Kunya on March 16. She was subsequently conveyed to the Kano Zonal Directorate of the Commission, where she was held in custody awaiting her arraignment.
The EFCC reiterated its commitment to enforcing laws protecting the integrity of the Nigerian currency and warned against acts of abuse, including spraying, stamping, or mutilating the currency during social events.
