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By Lizzy Chirkpi
A judge of the Federal High Court in Kano, Justice S.M. Shuaibu, has sentenced popular Kannywood actress Saadatu Inuwa, also known as Samha, to six months in prison for defacing the Nigerian currency.
The conviction was delivered on Friday, February 13, 2026, after the actress admitted to a one-count charge bordering on the abuse and mutilation of the naira, an offence punishable under the Central Bank of Nigeria Act of 2007.
The charge against the convict reads: “That you Saadatu Mohammed Inuwa sometime in 2022 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court tampered with Naira currency in the sum of N1000 (One Thousand Naira) note issued by Central Bank of Nigeria by soiling same using your nose and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 21 (1) of the CBN Act, 2007.”
When the charge was read in court, Inuwa pleaded guilty.
Following her plea, the prosecuting counsel, Musa Isah, reviewed the facts of the case and urged the court to convict and impose an appropriate sentence.
In her allocution, the actress appealed for leniency, telling the court she was a first-time offender and expressing remorse over her actions.
After considering the submissions, Justice Shuaibu found her guilty and sentenced her to six months imprisonment, with an option of a ₦200,000 fine.
The court warned that the mutilation or abuse of the national currency is a serious offence and would continue to attract stiff penalties as part of efforts to safeguard the integrity of the naira.