Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have arrested a young woman in Maiduguri after a video showing her using an N500 note to clean her nose went viral on social media.
The suspect, identified as Fatima Muhammed, was apprehended by EFCC officials from the Maiduguri Zonal Directorate following the online uproar. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
The video, widely circulated on TikTok, showed Fatima allegedly using the N500 note to clean mucus from her nose, drawing public outrage for the perceived disrespect to the national currency.
In response, EFCC traced the video to locate and arrest her in Maiduguri on Tuesday, April 7, 2025.
According to EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, Fatima Muhammed is under investigation for the alleged violation of the law regarding mutilation of the naira.
“The suspect was arrested following a viral video circulated on TikTok where she was seen cleaning mucus from her nose using an N500 note,” Oyewale said in an official statement.
Fatima is currently being held at the EFCC detention facility in Maiduguri as investigations continue. Authorities confirmed she will be charged in court once the probe is completed.
The video has sparked widespread debate online, with many condemning her actions while others argue for leniency, noting the role of social media in amplifying controversies.