The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) revealed that several Nigerian celebrities are currently under investigation for their alleged involvement in the abuse of the national currency.
In a statement released on Sunday, April 14, 2023, the anti-graft agency provided updates on its recent activities, particularly focusing on currency abuse and the dollarization of the economy.
According to the EFCC, it has received numerous video recordings showing blatant abuse of the naira by individuals across various sectors of society. As a result, investigations into the involvement of celebrities in these currency abuses are ongoing, with some suspects providing valuable information to the investigators.
While commending the public for bringing attention to old videos depicting naira abuse, the EFCC emphasized its commitment to investigating and prosecuting anyone found guilty of such infractions. It noted that while it began operations against naira abuse and dollarization on February 7, 2024, it will continue to investigate and prosecute new cases of currency abuse going forward.
The statement highlighted that the EFCC is currently probing several celebrities implicated in naira abuse, with many providing statements to the Commission and others being invited for questioning. The EFCC reiterated its unwavering commitment to enforcing the law without bias and cautioned the public to be mindful of violating laws against currency abuse.
This announcement follows the recent sentencing of crossdresser and socialite, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, to six months in prison without the option of a fine for mutilation of the naira. The sentencing, handed down by Justice Abimbola Awogbor of the Federal High Court in Lagos, sparked controversy among Nigerians who argued that Bobrisky should have been given the option of a fine as a first-time offender, as suggested by the law.
