On January 28, 2023, Nollywood actress Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin, aged 31, found herself at the center of a legal controversy after an incident at the Monarch Event Centre in Lekki, Lagos. While dancing at a social event, Omoseyin allegedly tampered with N100,000 in Naira notes by spraying and dancing on them, actions deemed to violate Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act, 2007. This incident, which was captured on video and later went viral, has led to significant legal repercussions for the actress.
Arrest and Investigation
On February 1, 2023, operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Fraud Related Offences Commission (ICPC) arrested Omoseyin along Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos. The ICPC, recognizing the financial nature of the alleged offense, handed her over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for a thorough investigation. The EFCC, known for its role in tackling financial crimes in Nigeria, took charge of the case to ensure a detailed probe into the actress’s actions.
Court Proceedings and Charges
Omoseyin was arraigned on February 13, 2023, before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos. The EFCC presented a two-count charge against her, both centered on her alleged tampering with Naira notes during the social event. The first charge accused her of spraying N100,000 in Naira notes, while the second charge addressed her dancing on the same amount, both actions violating the Central Bank Act. Despite the serious nature of the charges, Omoseyin pleaded not guilty, setting the stage for a legal battle.
Prosecution and Defense Arguments
During the court session, the prosecution counsel, Sulaiman Sulaiman, urged the court to set a trial date and requested that Omoseyin be remanded in a correctional facility pending further proceedings. Sulaiman emphasized the need for accountability, arguing that the actress’s actions warranted detention until the case progressed. In contrast, Omoseyin’s defense counsel, Adenike Goncalves, advocated for her client’s release on bail. Goncalves argued that Omoseyin should be granted bail pending the hearing and determination of the case, further requesting that, if bail were granted, the actress be held in EFCC custody until the bail terms were met.
Remand to Kirikiri Correctional Centre
Justice Aneke, after considering the arguments, ordered that Omoseyin be remanded to the Kirikiri Correctional Centre, specifically the female section, until her bail application could be determined. This decision has placed the actress in temporary detention, highlighting the judiciary’s firm stance on upholding the Central Bank Act. The bail hearing was scheduled for February 15, 2023, leaving Omoseyin’s immediate fate uncertain as the legal process unfolds.
Broader Implications
The case has sparked discussions about the cultural practice of spraying money at social events in Nigeria, a tradition that, while popular, is increasingly scrutinized under the law. Omoseyin’s arrest serves as a reminder of the legal boundaries surrounding the handling of Naira notes, as outlined in the Central Bank Act of 2007. As the case progresses, it may set a precedent for how similar incidents are addressed, potentially influencing public behavior at social gatherings.
