By Charles Maduka
Popular Nigerian comedian and actor, Ayo Makun, widely known as AY, has confirmed that he was invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for questioning over the public spraying of naira and foreign currencies at a recent social gathering.
In a statement shared on his Instagram page on Wednesday, AY disclosed that the EFCC invited him on Monday, May 5, for allegedly violating the Central Bank of Nigeria’s regulations against currency mutilation.
“I am grateful to God for His mercy and guidance. 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,” he wrote.
The comedian expressed appreciation to the EFCC for handling the matter with understanding and revealed that he was pardoned after officials confirmed that the funds involved were not linked to any criminal activity.
“I want to sincerely thank the EFCC and all authorities involved 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,” he said.
AY described the experience as a wake-up call and pledged to support efforts to educate Nigerians on proper handling of the national currency.
“Spraying money at events is common in Nigerian celebrations, especially at weddings and funerals. But it’s important to understand that defacing or mishandling the naira is a violation of Nigerian law,” he stated.
He further encouraged Nigerians to respect the naira as a symbol of the country’s sovereignty and economic stability, emphasizing that upholding the currency’s dignity is a collective responsibility.
The comedian also attached a set of slides titled “Dos and Don’ts” to his post to guide the public on acceptable practices regarding the use of the naira.
Meanwhile, actress Iyabo Ojo had earlier confirmed that she was also invited by the EFCC over similar allegations tied to her daughter’s wedding. She honoured the invitation after returning from the United Kingdom and appeared before the commission on the same day, May 5.
Both celebrities have promised to use their platforms to raise awareness about the legal consequences of abusing the naira, an offense punishable under Section 21 of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.
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