The Federal High Court sitting in Kano has adjourned the sentencing of popular TikTok personality, Murja Ibrahimi Kunya, to May 20, following a last-minute move by the prosecution to amend the charge against her.
Murja is standing trial on a one-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly abusing the Nigerian currency.
The charge stems from a viral video showing her spraying and dancing on N400,000 at a party held in December 2024 at the Tahir Guest Palace Hotel in Kano. She has already pleaded guilty to the charge.
At Tuesday’s hearing, which was initially scheduled for judgment and sentencing, EFCC counsel, Musa Isa unexpectedly applied for an amendment to the existing charge.
The request was strongly opposed by defence lawyer Abubakar Saka, who argued that introducing a new charge at this stage could stall proceedings and deny the defendant a fair trial. He added that the defence team needed adequate time to study and understand the proposed amendment.
Justice Simon Amobeda, however, granted the prosecution’s request, ruling that the court would allow the amendment in the interest of justice. He subsequently adjourned the matter to May 20 for continuation of proceedings.
Pending the new date, the judge ruled that Murja should remain in the custody of her legal counsel under the existing bail conditions, which include an undertaking to ensure her appearance in court.
