The Kogi State Government, on Friday, ordered the arrest and prosecution of individuals and businesses rejecting the old naira notes.
Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo made this known in a statement.
While congratulating Nigerians on the “historic ruling of the Supreme Court”, Fanwo explained that the Yahaya Bello administration joined other states to pursue the case to ease the hardship occasioned by the unavailability of cash.
He added that it was unacceptable that some persons and businesses continue to reject the old notes, even after the court validated their use.
“Rejecting the old naira notes is a clear disobedience of the Supreme Court ruling.
“Anyone who rejects the old naira notes should be reported to security and government authorities for immediate action. Also, banks that refuse to accept old naira deposits shall be sealed”, he warned.
He also warned that the government will not accommodate financial institutions “that willfully disobey court orders, moreso, the orders of the highest court in Nigeria”.
“Since the banks are issuing the old naira notes, they are bound to also receive it. We cannot continue to kill our economy after the Supreme Court has granted us freedom.”
Thelagostimes recalls that the apex court, last week, ruled that both the old and new naira notes remain legal tenders until December 31, 2023.