In a significant legal development, three individuals in Kano have been sentenced to three years in prison by Justice Mohammed Nasir Yunusa of the Federal High Court. The conviction stems from their involvement in illegal bureau de change (BDC) operations without the requisite license.
The verdict, delivered on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, found Umar Ibrahim Muhammad, Abubakar Yakubu Garba, and Muhammad Tijjani guilty of engaging in unauthorized foreign currency transactions. The trio admitted their wrongdoing, leading to their sentencing.
The statement confirming the conviction was released on Friday by Dele Oyewale, the spokesperson of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The legal action serves as a stern warning against unauthorized financial activities, emphasizing the importance of compliance with regulatory measures within the foreign exchange sector. This development aligns with the government’s efforts to uphold the integrity of financial transactions and protect the interests of the public.
As the financial landscape undergoes increased scrutiny, individuals engaging in unlicensed financial operations face severe consequences, as demonstrated by the stringent legal action taken against the illegal BDC operators in Kano.