The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has summoned Ibrahim Mohammad, a Nigerien national, his family, and other guests for their involvement in a viral incident of naira abuse at his wedding to Amina Babagana Zannah in Kano.
This move is part of the EFCC’s continued crackdown on currency abuse as it intensifies its campaign against the dollarization of the Nigerian economy.
The controversy erupted following a viral video showing guests at the wedding spraying naira and dollar bills during the event. Initially, the incident was mistakenly linked to the wedding of Fauziya Danjuma Goje, daughter of Senator Danjuma Goje. This misattribution sparked widespread public concern and editorial coverage by a national newspaper. However, further investigation by the EFCC clarified that the naira abuse occurred at the wedding of Zannah, not Goje’s daughter.
In a statement, Dele Oyewale, EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, explained that the commission had thoroughly analyzed the video footage and confirmed that the alleged currency abuse took place at the wedding dinner of Amina Babagana Zannah.
Oyewale said, “The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has been drawn to a viral video where the nation’s currency, Naira, was freely sprayed at a wedding ceremony in Kano, Kano State on Friday, October 24, 2024.”
He continued, “Allegations of the abuse of the Naira were imputed to Mrs Fauziya Danjuma Goje, daughter of Senator Danjuma Goje, by Nigerians from all walks of life, including an Editorial by a leading and respected National Newspaper. As a responsible and accountable anti-corruption agency campaigning against currency mutilation and dollarization of the economy, the EFCC swung into action by analyzing the video and findings showed that the alleged naira abuse actually happened but not at the wedding of Goje’s daughter but at the wedding dinner of Amina Babagana Zannah held on the afore-mentioned date.”
The bride’s mother, Hajara Seidu Haruna, who is also known as Hafsat Gold, the CEO of Hafsat Jewellery Enterprise, confirmed the incident and revealed that the groom’s family, who are from Niger Republic, were responsible for the act.
Haruna acknowledged the incident, explaining, “The groom’s family, hailing from Niger Republic, sprayed naira and dollar bills as part of the celebrations.”
The EFCC emphasized its commitment to upholding the country’s currency regulations and vowed to take action against those responsible for such abuses, regardless of their social or national status.
“While the EFCC appreciates the consciousness its campaigns against naira abuse is building across the country, it will not move against anyone wrongly accused of an alleged crime,” the commission stated.
“The Commission remains steadfast in this crusade and would spare no offender, no matter how highly placed.”
The statement further clarified that the EFCC would not act on accusations without clear evidence and would ensure that no one is wrongfully prosecuted.
It read, “The Commission has invited the Nigerien groom, Mohammad, to report at its national headquarters in Abuja, with everyone that sprayed naira notes at his wedding with Zannah.”
The EFCC’s stance reflects its determination to uphold national financial integrity and ensure that all violators are held accountable.
The commission reaffirmed its resolve, stating, “As a responsible and accountable agency, the EFCC remains committed to fighting currency abuse and will not hesitate to prosecute anyone found violating the nation’s currency regulations.”