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EFCC grills comedian AY, Iyabo Ojo over naira abuse

Nigerian comedian and actor, Ayo Makun, aka, AY, has addressed the supporters after being invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged abuse of the Naira.

While taking to his official Instagram page on Wednesday, AY confirmed that he was questioned by the officials of the anti-graft agency on Monday, May 5, regarding his involvement in the public spraying of both Nigerian and foreign currencies during a recent social event.

The act, which is considered a violation under the Central Bank of Nigeria’s currency handling regulations, has drawn increased scrutiny from the commission.

AY expressed his gratitude to both God and the authorities, noting that he was eventually pardoned after investigations confirmed that the funds used were not connected to any illicit activities.

He wrote: “I want to sincerely thank the EFCC and all authorities involved for their understanding and for granting me pardon based on confirmation that the money being sprayed is not linked to the proceeds of crime or any form of illicit funds.”

AY described the experience as a valuable lesson and promised to use his influence to create awareness about the importance of respecting the Naira.

He stressed that while the spraying of money remains a popular cultural practice at Nigerian weddings, parties, and other celebrations, it is crucial for citizens to realise that such acts violate existing laws and undermine the value of the national currency.

He further warned: “It is important to understand that mutilating or abusing the Naira — whether by spraying, tearing, defacing, or mishandling — is not just a cultural practice but also a violation of Nigerian law. Such acts undermine the integrity of our national currency and can have serious legal consequences.”

The comedian encouraged Nigerians to uphold the dignity of the Naira as a symbol of the country’s sovereignty and economic stability, advocating for responsible behaviour that fosters patriotism and integrity.

Also, Nollywood actress, Iyabo Ojo has confirmed that she was recently invited by the EFCC for questioning over the money spraying that took place during her daughter’s flamboyant wedding celebration.

In a statement shared via her Instagram page on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, the actress—fondly known as the Queen Mother—disclosed that the EFCC contacted her while she was out of the country. Upon her return, she honored the invitation and reported to the agency’s office on Monday, May 5.

Although the actress did not disclose specific details of her meeting with EFCC operatives, her post hinted that the questioning was in connection with viral videos showing large amounts of naira being sprayed during the wedding.

“I recently received an invitation from the EFCC while I was in the UK. On my return, I went to their office on May 5, where I was questioned about my personal details, career, and more,” she wrote.

Ojo revealed that the questioning largely centered around her daughter Priscilla’s wedding to Tanzanian singer Juma Jux, which took place last month and attracted widespread attention.

She said EFCC officials presented video clips from the event that showed guests spraying both naira and foreign currencies.

The actress acknowledged being aware that defacing the naira is an offense but claimed she was unaware that spraying other currencies, such as the dollar, was also prohibited.

“I was shown videos from the wedding where guests were spraying money. I explained that I thought only the abuse or mutilation of the naira was prohibited,” she said.

Ojo further explained that EFCC officials clarified the law, informing her that spraying any currency on individuals at events goes against financial regulations.

As a result, she appealed to Nigerians to avoid such practices at social gatherings to stay within the bounds of the law.


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