… as commission says ‘we’re investigating several other celebrities’
Following the announcement by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission that it has begun a probe of several celebrities who may have been involved in the abuse of the Naira, panic has gripped many socialites who are now afraid of being found culpable by the anti-graft agency and eventually prosecuted.
First News learnt that owing to this development, socialites across the country have intensified efforts to delete from their social media pages and phones videos and pictures showing them spraying the Naira at social functions and events.
The social media pages of many of them have suddenly become rid of such pictures and videos that they believe could indict them.
Recall that last Friday, popular cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye,aka Bobrisky, was jailed by a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos for six months without any option of fine for abusing the Naira.
EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said in a statement on Sunday that some of the affected celebrities had already been summoned by the Commission and have already made useful statements.
The EFCC also noted that it’s aware of the viral videos showing some Nigerians abusing the naira.
It also commended the Nigerian public for raising consciousness regarding the sanctify of the Naira.
The statement read, “On the issue of the works of the commission against Naira abuse, dollarization of the economy, and the enforcement of all extant laws relating to them, the EFCC appreciates the avalanche of public awakening, support, and involvement demonstrated so far.
“Increasingly, members of the public are drawing the attention of the Commission to video recording of abuse of the Naira by Nigerians from all walks of life. These gestures amply demonstrate rising consciousness of the public to the sanctity of our national currency and the need for collaborative engagement to sustain the tempo.
“To this end, the Commission will always investigate and prosecute anyone involved in the abuse of the Naira. Old videos being exhumed and flying around for the attention of the Commission are noted as the Commission is sensitive to the fact that its Special Task Force against Naira Abuse and Dollarization of the economy commenced operations on February 7, 2024. However, going forward, new videos of such infractions will be investigated and prosecuted.
“At the moment, the Commission is investigating several celebrities involved in Naira abuse. Many of them have made useful statements to the Commission and many more have been invited by investigators working on the matter.
“The EFCC will not relent in its no-sacred-cow mode of operations and the public should be wary of running afoul of laws against the crime.”