Kannywood Actress Samha Inuwa Jailed for Defacing ₦1,000 Note in Kano

Kannywood Actress Samha Inuwa Jailed for Defacing ₦1,000 Note in Kano

A popular Kannywood actress, Saadatu Mohammed Inuwa, known professionally as Samha, has been sentenced to six months’ imprisonment by a Federal High Court in Kano for mutilating the Nigerian currency, specifically a ₦1,000 note. The verdict reinforces Nigeria’s strict laws against naira abuse and the legal consequences of disrespecting the national currency.

The judgment was delivered on Friday, February 13, 2026, by Justice S.M. Shuaibu after Inuwa pleaded guilty to the one‑count charge filed under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007. The incident reportedly occurred in 2022 when she allegedly used a naira note to wipe her nose, an act deemed illegal under Nigerian law.

The prosecution, led by counsel Musa Isah, presented the facts of the case to the court following Inuwa’s admission of guilt. While the actress asked for leniency, the court imposed the six‑month sentence but allowed an option to pay a fine of ₦200,000 instead of serving jail time.

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The case gained nationwide attention after a video circulated on social media showing Samha allegedly soiling the ₦1,000 note. The footage prompted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to intervene. EFCC operatives from its Kano Zonal Directorate arrested her on February 3, 2026, following the viral clip.

Under Nigerian law, mutilating or defacing the naira — including tearing, spraying, stamping, soiling, or otherwise damaging the currency — is prohibited. Offenders can face imprisonment, fines, or both, as outlined in the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007. In recent years, the EFCC has intensified enforcement against currency abuse, prosecuting several individuals, including high-profile figures, to protect the integrity of the Nigerian naira.

Samha Inuwa’s conviction serves as a warning to the public, particularly celebrities and influencers, about the legal repercussions of disrespecting Nigeria’s currency. The ruling highlights authorities’ commitment to enforcing laws governing the proper handling of legal tender and maintaining public confidence in the nation’s financial system.

Kannywood Actress Samha Inuwa Jailed for Defacing ₦1,000 Note in Kano