Gladness Gideon
Comedian and actor Ayo Makun, popularly known as AY, has spoken out after being questioned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of naira abuse.
The comedian confirmed on his Instagram page on Wednesday that he was interrogated by the anti-graft agency on Monday, May 5, in connection with the public spraying of local and foreign currencies during a social event — a practice deemed a violation of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) regulations on currency mutilation.
Expressing gratitude to God and the EFCC, AY stated, “I am grateful to God for His mercy and guidance. On Monday, I was invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding an incident involving the public spraying of both local and foreign currencies, an act that has been classified as an offence related to the abuse of the Naira.”
AY further thanked the EFCC for their understanding and for granting him pardon after confirming that the money sprayed was not linked to criminal or illicit funds. He acknowledged the cultural significance of money spraying in Nigerian celebrations but emphasized the importance of respecting the law.
“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,” he stated.
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Similarly, Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo confirmed that she was also contacted by the EFCC while in the United Kingdom. Upon her return to Nigeria, she honoured the invitation and appeared before the agency on May 5, where she was questioned regarding aspects of her daughter’s recently concluded wedding.
Both celebrities have since pledged to use their platforms to educate the public about the legal implications of currency abuse, aligning with Section 21 of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007, which criminalizes acts such as spraying, tearing, or defacing the Naira.
AY, 53, urged Nigerians to uphold the dignity of the Naira as a symbol of national sovereignty and economic stability, noting that his experience has served as a valuable lesson.
The EFCC has not issued an official statement regarding the celebrities’ appearance, but the agency has intensified efforts to enforce the CBN’s currency regulations in a bid to protect the integrity of the Naira.