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Data Brief22 March 2026

The N200,000 Conviction: Sentencing Severity in Crypto Crime

Comparing fine amounts, prison terms, and the rising option-of-fine rate between plea bargain and full trial crypto convictions.

Plea bargain
42 crypto convictions
Median fine
N200k
~$125 USD
Min
N7k
Max
N26.6m
Prison with option of fine35/39
90% can pay fine instead of serving time
Full trial
39 crypto convictions
Median fine
N500k
~$310 USD
Min
N50k
Max
N38.0m
Prison with option of fine33/37
89% can pay fine instead of serving time

Full trial convictions carry a median fine 2.5x higher than plea bargain convictions. But in both tracks, the overwhelming majority of defendants receive prison sentences with the option of paying a fine instead. The typical crypto conviction in Nigeria results in a fine of N200,000 to N500,000 and forfeiture of the phone used to commit the offence.

Source: Project THEMIS case database (n=7,167 financial crime cases, 96 crypto-related). Methodology details available at themis.ng/methodology.