We’re investigating several celebrities involved in naira abuse, says EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it is investigating several celebrities who may have been involved in currency abuse.  

In a statement on Sunday, Dele Oyewale, the EFCC spokesperson, said some of the celebrities have been summoned by the commission and have made useful statements.

The EFCC noted that the agency is aware of the viral videos showing Nigerians abusing the naira.

The anti-graft agency also commended the public for raising consciousness to the sanctify of the national currency.

“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,” the statement reads in part.

“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.”

On April 4, Bobrisky, the social media celebrity, was arrested by the commission in Lagos for defacing the naira notes.

The crossdresser was arraigned on a six-count charge by the EFCC.

On Friday, Abimbola Awogboro, a judge of the federal high court in Lagos, sentenced Bobrisky to six months in prison for abusing the naira notes

Awogboro, in her verdict, also ruled that the sentence is without the option of a fine, saying it would serve as a deterrent to other persons fond of abusing and mutilating the Nigerian currency.