Adeyinka Bilikis Gbadamosi, a 24-year-old woman from Lagos, has been sentenced to six months in prison after pleading guilty to currency racketeering charges. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arrested Gbadamosi on April 27, 2024, for hawking Naira notes at the 10 Degree Event Centre, Billings Way, Ikeja, Lagos.
Gbadamosi was charged with violating the Central Bank of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2007, for selling a total of N897,900 in Naira denominations at the event venue. The notes, which included N200 and N500 bills, were found to be in circulation illegally.
She was arrested after credible intelligence led to her apprehension, and the EFCC recovered the sum of N897,900 from her. Gbadamosi confessed to being involved in currency racketeering and selling Naira notes.
At her trial, held before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, Gbadamosi was convicted after her guilty plea. Prosecutors presented evidence of the illegal sale and her confessions. Gbadamosi’s defense lawyer requested a non-custodial sentence or a fine, but Justice Aneke sentenced her to six months in prison, with an option to pay a fine of N50,000.
Additionally, the judge ordered the forfeiture of the N897,900 recovered from Gbadamosi to the Federal Government of Nigeria. This sentencing serves as a reminder of the government’s ongoing efforts to curb illegal financial activities.
Gbadamosi is also facing potential deportation after serving her sentence.