” Let’s uphold the dignity of our currency..”
By Ola Kay
Popular comedian and actor , Ayo Makun, otherwise known as AY has revealed how the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,EFCC , grilled him on Monday over allegation of Naira abuse.
The comedian wrote about his experience on his Instagram page on Wednesday, disclosing how he was invited for interrogation on Monday, over the public spraying of both local and foreign currencies during a recent social event.
The anti-graft body, as part of its mandate considered open display of naira at public event or social gathering as a violation of the Central Bank of Nigeria regulations on currency mutilation.
AY said: “I am grateful to God for His mercy and guidance. 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 offense related to the abuse of the Naira.
The comedian thanked the EFCC and relevant authorities for granting him a pardon after it was investigated and confirmed that the money sprayed was not tied to any criminal or illicit activity
Continuing, he said: “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.
“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.
“To my friends, family, and the general public: 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. But let me attach some slides to this post on the DOS AND DON’T.”
He used the opportunity to educate Nigerians more by saying, “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.
“Together, we can promote responsible behaviour and foster a culture of patriotism and integrity.”
By his experience, AY has joined other celebrities like the popular Nollywood actress, Iyabo Ojo, who also shared similar experience on her Instagram page on Tuesday about how she was contacted by the EFCC while she was in the UK and honoured the invitation upon her return to Nigeria.
She was reportedly investigated on Monday, May 5, 2025, over certain aspects of her daughter’s recently concluded wedding ceremony.
Mutilating or defacing of the Naira is an act punishable under Section 21 of the CBN Act, 2007.
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