The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said a number of prominent figures are under investigation and will soon be charged with naira abuse.
The commission announced this in a statement on Sunday, days after popular cross-dresser Bobrisky was jailed on Friday for the same crime.
The commission vowed that no one found guilty would be spared, saying, “We have no intention of relaxing our unsacred management methods, and the public should be wary of violating laws governing crimes.'' ” he said.
Since the arrest of Bobrisky (real name Idris Okunye) earlier this month, many Nigerians on social media platforms have posted various video clips of clearly egregious instances of naira abuse by other celebrities. is tagged with EFCC.
The EFCC, in a statement by its Director, Media and Penalties, Mr. Dele Oyewale, on Sunday, acknowledged the surge in the sharing of old and new video clips depicting such naira abuse.
The agency said some prominent figures, whose identities have not been disclosed, were invited to participate in the investigation and gave helpful comments.
“Video recordings of naira abuse by Nigerians from all walks of life are being brought to the attention of the commission by a growing number of citizens,” the statement said.
It added: “These actions amply demonstrate the public's growing awareness of the sanctity of our currency and the need for a collaborative effort to maintain the tempo.”
“To this end, the Commission will always investigate and prosecute those involved in the abuse of the Naira.The Commission said that the Special Task Force against Naira Abuse and Dollarization of the Economy became operational on February 7, 2024. Sensitive to the fact that, it has been noted that old videos are being unearthed and thrown around to bring it to the attention of the Commission. Videos of such violations will be investigated and prosecuted.
“Currently, the commission is investigating several prominent figures involved in naira abuse. Many of them have made helpful statements to the commission, and more are coming forward to address this issue. I have received an invitation from the investigator.”
Bobrisky, actress Omosein example
A Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday sentenced Bobrisky to six months in prison without the option of a fine for naira abuse.
Justice Abimbola Awogboro made the ruling after the controversial cross-dresser pleaded guilty to the criminal charges.
This followed an earlier arrest by the EFCC.
The 31-year-old came to the attention of the EFCC after a video clip of her spray-painting and flaunting a wad of new naira notes at the premiere of the movie Ajakaju on March 24 went viral.
The film was produced by Nollywood actress and producer, Eniola Ajao at Film One Circle Mall, Lekki, Lagos.
The commission announced on April 4 that it had detained Bobrisky for abusing naira during movie premieres and previous social events.
The commission said it had detained a controversial social media celebrity at a ward office in Lagos after he accepted an invitation for interrogation.
PREMIUM TIMES reported that the EFCC subsequently arraigned him at the Federal High Court in Lagos on April 5, where he pleaded guilty to four priority charges.
After Bobrisky admitted the charges, the judge convicted him and deferred sentencing.
Mr Justice Awogboro then sentenced Mr Bobrisky on Friday.
He said Bobrisky's sentence would serve as a lesson to others who wish to continue abusing Naira.
“The act of clipping naira banknotes poses a threat and continues to tarnish the image of the country.
“There are enough people who deface and deface our currency. It must stop. His will will serve as a deterrent to others,” the judge said.
Before sentencing Bobrisky, the judge asked Bobrisky about the transvestite's gender, to which he replied that he identified as male.
In early February this year, a Federal High Court in Lagos similarly found actress Oluwadarasimi Omosein guilty of spraying and stamping on new naira notes at a wedding in Lagos.
Omosein was arrested on February 1 after a video clip of him scattering new naira notes at a wedding ceremony in Lekki, Lagos State on January 28 went viral.
On February 2, Judge of First Instance Chukwujekwu Aneke sentenced Omosein to six months in prison, with an optional fine of N300,000.
awakening of the masses
The EFCC on Sunday said there was growing public awareness of naira abuse, an apparent reference to the increased attention Nigerians paid to the naira after Bobrisky’s arrest.
A statement from the commission said: “On the issue of Naira abuse, dollarization of the economy and the Commission’s commitment to enforcement of all existing laws related thereto, the EFCC is in awe of the avalanche of public awakening demonstrated so far; I highly value their support and involvement.” on sunday.
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