Murja Kunya Jailed for Naira Abuse: What Really Happened?

Murja Kunya jailed for Naira abuse. Kano TikToker sentenced to 6 months for spraying Naira. Full story and public reaction.

 

The Rise and Reckoning of Murja Kunya: A TikTok Star Behind Bars

 

The story of Murja Kunya popular Kano-born TikToker and social media influencer has taken a dramatic turn.

Known for her controversial online persona and provocative dance videos, Kunya has now found herself on the wrong side of the law, sentenced to six months imprisonment for Naira abuse.

 

What began as a viral trend turned into a full-blown legal showdown between a social media star and Nigeria’s financial regulatory authorities.

But behind the headlines is a deeper conversation about digital influence, youth behavior, and the sanctity of national symbols like the Naira.

 

Who is Murja Kunya?

 

Murja Ibrahim Kunya isn’t just another content creator.

Over the years, she has built a massive following on TikTok, particularly among young Nigerians who find her bold and outspoken style both entertaining and defiant.

Often described as “unapologetically Northern,” she represents a new wave of influencers pushing boundaries in a traditionally conservative part of Nigeria.

 

But her content has also been polarizing. While some applaud her courage to be herself, others especially in the more traditional circles have long criticized her as a bad role model.

That criticism hit a boiling point late last year.

 

What Happened?

According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kunya was caught on video spraying Naira notes in a hotel room at the upscale Tahir Guest Palace in Kano on December 28, 2023.

In the footage that circulated online, Kunya is seen dancing and stepping on bundles of the Nigerian currency an act considered a direct violation of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, 2007.

 

The offense, though seemingly minor to the average viewer, carries serious legal implications under Nigerian law.

Section 21(1) of the CBN Act explicitly prohibits the abuse, mutilation, and mishandling of Naira notes.

 

Shortly after the video went viral, EFCC operatives arrested Kunya in January 2025. She was granted administrative bail with a promise to appear in court.

But rather than comply, Kunya absconded, leaving law enforcement scrambling to find her.

 

The Chase and Arrest

 

For weeks, EFCC officials conducted discreet but intensive surveillance. Their efforts paid off on Sunday, March 16, 2025, when they successfully re-arrested the influencer.

A few days later, on May 20, she appeared before Justice Simone Amobeda at the Federal High Court in Kano.

There, she pleaded guilty to the one-count amended charge of tampering with Naira notes.

In court documents, the charge read:

 

“You, Murja Ibrahim Kunya, on the 28th of December, 2023, at Tahir Guest Palace, Kano, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court,

whilst dancing in one of the rooms at Tahir Guest Palace,

tampered with Naira notes issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying and marching on same in the said occasion and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 21(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.”

 

The Judgment

 

On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, the verdict was delivered. Justice Amobeda sentenced Murja Kunya to six months in prison.

However, in a somewhat lenient twist, the court allowed her the option of paying a ₦50,000 fine instead.

But the sentencing did not end there.

 

In a move that surprised many, Justice Amobeda issued a consequential order one with a rehabilitative tone.

Murja Kunya was appointed as a social media ambassador for both the EFCC and the CBN.

Her mission? Use her substantial online influence to advocate against Naira abuse and educate her followers on the legal and cultural significance of Nigeria’s currency.

Read Also:  

• EFCC Arrests and Jails Two Women in Lagos for Hawking Naira Notes Worth Millions
• E-Money EFCC Arrest: The Full Story
• Emefiele Seized Duplexes Sale: FG’s Housing Plan

 

A Double-Edged Sword: Justice or Publicity?

 

Public opinion is sharply divided. Some believe Kunya got off lightly with a fine and a public role, considering the gravity of flouting a national law.

Others view the move as an innovative way to engage youth on financial discipline.

 

“What’s better than punishment is reformation,” said one legal analyst on X (formerly Twitter).

“Appointing her as an ambassador puts her back in the same spotlight she used to violate the law but this time, for good.”

 

Critics, however, argue that the decision might inadvertently glamorize crime.

“We can’t be giving criminals social media contracts after conviction. What are we teaching our youth?” a user commented on Instagram.

 

Naira Abuse: More Common Than We Think

 

Kunya’s case is only one of many. Naira abuse has become almost a norm at weddings, parties, and even funerals.

From spraying money in the air to stepping on it for dramatic effect, the Nigerian social scene is rife with such acts.

 

The Central Bank of Nigeria and EFCC have been on a sustained campaign to curb this trend. This case, therefore, sets a precedent and could be used as a cautionary tale.

 

Social Media Influence: A Blessing and a Burden

 

Murja’s case reignites a long-standing debate: Should influencers be held to higher standards?

 

In a digital age where content goes viral in seconds, the behavior of public figures can have far-reaching implications.

Kunya’s followers, many of whom are teenagers, look up to her. If she glamorizes a behavior even if it’s illegal many may follow suit without understanding the consequences.

 

With her new role as an ambassador, all eyes will be on how she navigates this second chance.

 

Cultural Clashes: Modernity vs. Tradition

 

Murja’s story is not just legal; it’s deeply cultural. In Northern Nigeria, where tradition and religion play a significant role in daily life, her style has long been seen as rebellious.

 

Many community leaders have previously spoken against her content, accusing her of promoting moral decay.

Yet her popularity continues to grow, revealing a cultural tension between the old and the new between conservatism and self-expression.

 

Gendered Judgment?

 

There’s another layer: Would the public reaction have been the same if Murja were a man?

 

Some activists argue that female influencers often face harsher criticism and scrutiny than their male counterparts.

“It’s not just about what she did it’s about who she is. A young Northern woman daring to live on her own terms,” one gender rights advocate told NIGPOST.

 

A Turning Point?

 

Now that Murja Kunya has been officially convicted and assigned a rehabilitative role, what lies ahead?

 

Will she transform into a responsible online figurehead or fall back into controversial habits?

Will this punishment deter others from disrespecting national symbols or simply fade away as just another media moment?

Only time will tell.

 

Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale for the Digital Age

 

Murja Kunya’s story is more than a viral headline. It’s a reflection of the evolving Nigerian society where tradition clashes with modernity, and where social media can either uplift or destroy.

 

Her conviction is a reminder that no one, no matter how famous, is above the law.

But it also shows that the justice system can innovate choosing rehabilitation over mere punishment.

 

As Kunya returns to social media under new terms, her journey will be one to watch. Whether she becomes a cautionary tale or a comeback story is entirely up to her.

 

Do you think the court’s decision was fair? Should influencers be held to higher standards?

Share your thoughts in the comments below. Don’t forget to follow NIGPOST for more trending updates and in-depth news.

By: Ahmed fatimoh

Date:May 28,2025