Nigerian photographer Toni Payne has questioned the Economic and Financial Crime Commission over their invitations to Nigerian celebrities over naira abuse.
She noted how the country has the most fucked up priorities as she lamented over how spraying of money is now the country’s biggest problem. She noted how people are starving, there is no power supply, a lack of jobs, yet EFFC is bothered over naira abuse.
She questioned their aim with their constant invitations and admonished Nigerians to start holding their events outside the country.
“Naija has the most fucked up priorities out of all the problems facing the country, spraying of money (even dollars that isn’t their currency) is their issue?
People are starving, there is no steady power supply, and there is a lack of jobs, and this is what they are about? I’m convinced the powers that be want to keep people miserable because why try to remove such a joyful tradition?
What is the Goal? Wow!
People should start taking their events out of Naija. If something so minuscule can get you arrested, it’s insáne!! Imagine saying putting it on someone’s body is a crime. So, if I had your money normally, is that not part of your body? I saw how careful Iyabo Ojo was with the spraying, making sure things were put in bags gently, and she still got invited? Nawa ooo
Destination events are the way to go. Fuck that shit. I trust my people, they will find a way around it. Digital bank alert cards or something, cos wtf”.
On Wednesday, Ayo Makun opened up on being invited by EFCC over Naira abuse. He revealed that he was invited by the anti-graft agency and was granted a pardon after confirming that the money being sprayed was not linked to the proceeds of crime or any form of illicit funds. Ay further admonished Nigerians to understand that mutilating or abusing the Naira, and added that such acts undermine the integrity of the national currency.
Similarly, Iyabo Ojo confirmed reports that she was invited by the commission for questioning over the spraying of money at her daughter’s wedding. Ojo said she explained that she thought only abuse or mutilation of the Naira was an offence, and the commission enlightened her. She added that after questioning, she was allowed to leave, but her personal lawyer stood in for her as she may be called upon again.
Last month, E-Money was arrested by the commission for allegedly spraying United States dollars at an event, an act said to be a violation of the Foreign Exchange Act.
Last year, EFCC had arrested Cubana Chief Priest over Naira abuse. The commission filed a three-count charge against the businessman for allegedly spraying and tampering with the naira at a social event contrary to the provisions of the Central Bank Act of 2007.
Also, last year, EFCC arrested popular crossdresser, Bobrisky over abuse of the Naira which he pleaded guilty to, and had pleaded with the judge to give him another chance, promising to make good use of his platform to inform and educate his followers about spraying money. Unfortunately, the judge didn’t excuse his bad behavior and he was sentenced to jail for 6 months without an option of a fine.
