The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of Nigeria has announced that many celebrities are presently under investigation and will soon be prosecuted for abusing the Nigerian currency, the naira.
This announcement was made in a statement released on Sunday, shortly after the conviction of popular crossdresser, Bobrisky, who was sentenced for the same offense on Friday. Emphasizing their unwavering commitment to justice, the commission vowed that no one found culpable will be spared, asserting that they “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.”
Following the arrest of Bobrisky, also known as Idris Okunneye, earlier this month, numerous Nigerians on social media platforms have tagged the EFCC in posts containing video clips showcasing alleged instances of naira abuse by other celebrities. In response, the EFCC acknowledged a notable increase in the circulation of both old and new video clips depicting naira abuse. A statement by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, on Sunday, revealed that certain celebrities, whose identities were withheld, had been invited for investigations and had offered valuable statements.
“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,” the statement said.
“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,”it added.
Background
The Federal High Court in Lagos sentenced Bobrisky to six months in jail without the option of a fine for naira abuse. This ruling came after the controversial crossdresser admitted guilt to the alleged offenses. Bobrisky’s legal ordeal commenced following his earlier arrest by the EFCC, prompted by a viral video showing him spraying and flaunting wads of new naira notes at the premiere of the movie ‘Ajakaju’ on March 24. The EFCC detained Bobrisky for naira abuse during the movie premiere and other social events, subsequently arraigning him on April 5 at the Federal High Court in Lagos. During the court proceedings, Bobrisky pleaded guilty to four charges. Following his plea, Judge Abimbola Awogboro convicted him and adjourned for sentencing. The sentencing was delivered on Friday, with Judge Awogboro emphasizing that Bobrisky’s punishment would serve as a lesson for others involved in naira abuse.