Nigerian comedian and actor, Ayo Makun, popularly known as AY, has confirmed that he was recently interrogated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of naira abuse.
In a statement shared via his Instagram page on Wednesday, the entertainer revealed that he honoured an invitation by the EFCC on Monday (May 5), regarding the public ‘spraying’ of both local and foreign currencies at a recent social event—a practice deemed a violation of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) regulations against currency mutilation.
“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 wrote.
The comedian expressed appreciation to the anti-graft agency for what he described as a fair hearing and a subsequent ‘pardon,’ following confirmation that the funds involved were not linked to any form of illicit activity.
“I want to sincerely thank the EFCC and all authorities involved for their understanding and for granting me pardon based on confirmation that the money being sprayed is not linked to the proceeds of crime or any form of illicit funds,” he stated.
READ ALSO: [Currency Abuse:] Iyabo Ojo Confirms EFCC Interrogation After Daughter’s Wedding
Cultural Tradition, Criminal Act
Describing the experience as a “valuable lesson,” AY pledged to use his platform to educate the public on the proper treatment of Nigeria’s national currency.
“This experience has been a valuable lesson, and I am personally committed to promoting awareness about the proper respect and care for our national currency,” he said.
“We all know that spraying money at public events is a practice common in Nigerian celebrations, especially during weddings, funerals, and parties. It is generally considered a cultural tradition rather than a criminal act,” the comedian added.
However, he cautioned the public to align cultural practices with the law, stressing that the abuse of the naira—including ‘spraying,’ defacing, tearing, or mishandling—is a punishable offence under Nigerian law.
AY said, “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.
“Let us all strive to uphold the dignity of our currency, which is a symbol of our nation’s sovereignty and economic stability. Respect for the Naira is respect for Nigeria’s future.”
EFCC Crackdown
AY’s case comes amid a broader EFCC crackdown on celebrities allegedly involved in similar acts.
Just a day prior to his post, Nollywood actress, Iyabo Ojo, also disclosed that she was contacted by the EFCC while abroad and honoured the agency’s invitation upon her return to Nigeria.
She reportedly appeared before the commission on Monday for questioning over aspects of her daughter’s lavish wedding celebration, which witnessed an array of celebrity attendees.
Both AY and Ojo have since committed to using their influence to sensitise the public on the legal consequences of currency abuse, which is punishable under Section 21 of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.
Their cases are part of a widening EFCC operation targeting high-profile individuals for naira abuse.
Musician, Terry Apala, was remanded by a Lagos court for allegedly spraying and mutilating Naira notes.
Socialite, Idris Okuneye, popularly called Bobrisky, was sentenced to six months in prison without the option of a fine for similar offences.
Source: Channels TV
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