The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is currently investigating an incident involving a Chinese national who was filmed tearing Naira notes in Lagos. The incident took place at a Chinese-owned company located along the Lekki-Epe Expressway, where Lagos State Government officials had arrived to seal the premises due to alleged regulatory violations. During the confrontation, the Chinese individual, visibly defying the authorities, pulled Naira notes from his bag and began tearing them, a move that quickly sparked widespread outrage on social media.
As the situation unfolded, some individuals believed to be Nigerian workers at the company were seen attempting to shield the man from the authorities, further intensifying the public’s anger. Many Nigerians took to social media to voice their outrage, calling for the immediate arrest of the individual and punishment for those who obstructed justice by protecting him. Some social media users expressed concerns about the double standards in justice, with accusations that if the individual were a high-ranking Nigerian politician or associated with them, the case might have been handled differently.
The viral video of the incident has led to calls for both the Chinese national and the company involved to face legal consequences. Reactions on social media ranged from demands for the individual to be arrested, tried, and possibly deported, to calls for the company to be permanently shut down for disrespecting Nigerian law. Legal experts have weighed in, with some emphasizing that tearing Naira notes is a serious offense under Nigerian law, and the Chinese national, unless a diplomat, should be subjected to the same legal consequences as any Nigerian citizen involved in such an act.
Tolu Babaleye, a legal practitioner, remarked in an interview that the individual could face arrest and trial for mutilating Naira notes, which is punishable under Nigerian law. The EFCC, which has been at the forefront of combating currency abuse and economic crimes, confirmed that it is actively investigating the matter. Dele Oyewale, the EFCC spokesperson, stated that the Commission is looking into the incident but did not provide further details about potential actions against the individual or the company.
The incident has generated significant public discourse, reflecting the heightened awareness of currency mutilation and the broader issue of foreign nationals disrespecting Nigerian sovereignty. Nigerians continue to express their frustration on social media, with some demanding more stringent actions against such offenses, while others question the level of justice and accountability for high-profile individuals or foreigners who violate the country’s laws .
