Popular Nigerian comedian and actor, Ayo Makun, better known as AY, has revealed that he was recently invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations concerning the abuse of the Nigerian currency during a public event.
In a statement shared via his Instagram page on Wednesday, AY disclosed that the EFCC summoned him on Monday, May 5, for questioning regarding the spraying of both local and foreign currencies — a practice deemed illegal under Nigerian law.
“I am grateful to God for His mercy and guidance,” he wrote. “On Monday, I was invited by the EFCC regarding an incident involving the public spraying of both local and foreign currencies, an act that has been classified as an offense related to the abuse of the Naira.”
The EFCC’s invitation is in line with Section 21 of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, 2007, which prohibits the mishandling and abuse of the national currency, including practices such as spraying, tearing, or defacing banknotes.
AY explained that he was granted a pardon after the commission verified that the funds involved in the celebration were not proceeds of crime or connected to illicit financial dealings.
“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 any form of criminal activity,” he stated.
Reflecting on the encounter, the comedian described it as a wake-up call and committed to using his influence to educate the public on proper respect for the Naira. He noted that while spraying money at parties and ceremonies is widely regarded as part of Nigerian culture, it still contravenes the law.
“This experience has been a valuable lesson. It is important to understand that mutilating or abusing the Naira—whether by spraying, tearing, defacing, or mishandling—is a violation of Nigerian law,” AY said, urging citizens to uphold the dignity of the Naira as a symbol of national pride and economic stability.
In a related development, Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo also confirmed that she was contacted by the EFCC while overseas and honoured the agency’s invitation upon her return. Her appearance before the EFCC on the same day, May 5, reportedly centered around her daughter’s recent wedding, which featured currency spraying.
Both public figures have now pledged to leverage their platforms to raise awareness about the legal consequences of currency abuse and the importance of patriotic financial conduct.
