A Federal High Court sitting in Kano has postponed the much-anticipated sentencing of popular TikTok influencer Murja Ibrahimi Kunya to May 20, 2025, following a sudden application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to amend her charge. The case, which has drawn nationwide attention, centers on a viral video of Murja allegedly spraying and stepping on Nigerian currency at a December 2024 party.
Murja had earlier pleaded guilty to a one-count charge of naira abuse, filed under existing EFCC regulations prohibiting defacing or disrespecting the national currency. The footage in question shows her allegedly dancing on and spraying ₦400,000 at an event held at Tahir Guest Palace, a popular hospitality hub in Kano.
At Tuesday’s hearing, scheduled for judgment and sentencing, EFCC counsel Musa Isa stunned the court with a motion to amend the charge, raising fresh legal concerns and delaying a resolution in the high-profile case. According to Isa, the amendment was necessary “in the interest of justice,” but he did not publicly detail the new elements being introduced.
The defense, led by Abubakar Saka, pushed back strongly, describing the last-minute amendment as a tactical ambush that could deny the defendant a fair trial. He requested time to review the new charge before his client could respond, emphasizing the right to adequate legal preparation under Nigerian law.
Justice Simon Amobeda ruled in favor of the EFCC, agreeing to the amendment and stressing the need for due process. However, he granted the defense team additional time and set May 20 as the new date for continuation of proceedings. Murja will remain under conditional bail, supervised by her legal team.
This case is one of the first major prosecutions under Nigeria’s clampdown on currency abuse, following recent directives by the Central Bank of Nigeria and high-profile crackdowns on celebrities and influencers seen spraying or mishandling the naira at social events.
The outcome of Murja Kunya’s trial is being closely watched by social media users, legal experts, and cultural commentators. It is widely viewed as a test of how far the Nigerian government is willing to go in policing online behavior and public displays of wealth, particularly among young digital celebrities.
