Lagos, Nigeria— In a landmark ruling, the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has sentenced a businessman, Uzondu Precious Chimaobi, to four years in prison for refusing to accept the Naira as payment and instead demanding $5,700 in US dollars for a Cartier diamond bracelet.
Justice Alexander Owoeye delivered the verdict on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, following Chimaobi’s guilty plea to charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges stem from a covert operation revealing that Chimaobi’s jewelry business, Unlimited Jewellers Limited, based in Lekki, Lagos, was conducting transactions exclusively in dollars, contrary to Nigerian law.
According to EFCC spokesman, the agency acted on intelligence reports about the company’s illegal pricing and payment system. During the sting operation, an undercover EFCC agent posed as a customer and successfully purchased a diamond bracelet tagged at $6,000, ultimately sold for $5,700—paid entirely in US dollars. A receipt was issued, and no option for payment in Naira was provided.
Chimaobi was arrested shortly afterward. He initially pleaded not guilty, but later changed his plea to guilty at the resumed hearing.
The court found him guilty of violating Section 20 of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, which mandates the Naira as the sole legal tender in the country. While sentencing him, Justice Owoeye gave the businessman an option of a N50,000 fine on one count and N600,000 on the second. Additionally, the Cartier diamond wristwatch involved in the case was ordered forfeited to the Nigerian government.
Legal experts say the ruling sends a strong message to businesses flouting currency regulations and serves as a critical step in reinforcing the use of the Naira.
The EFCC emphasized the importance of adhering to national laws on currency use and reiterated its commitment to cracking down on violations across Nigeria’s business landscape.
