Naira Abuse: Trouble Looms As EFCC Begins Probe Of More Celebrities

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched a probe into the financial activities of several celebrities amid growing concerns over Naira abuse, signaling potential trouble ahead for the entertainment industry’s elite.

The commission said this in a statement on Sunday, days after securing the conviction of popular crossdresser, Bobrisky, jailed for the same crime on Friday.

Vowing that no one found culpable will be spared, the comission said it “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 have tagged the EFCC in posts featuring video clips highlighting what appear to be more severe cases of Naira abuse by other celebrities.

The EFCC has noted an increase in the circulation of both old and new video clips depicting instances of Naira abuse, as stated by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, on Sunday.

It said some celebrities, whose identitles it did not disclose, had been invited for investigations and made useful 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.

It added, “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.”