Stand-up comedian and actor Ayo Makun, popularly known as AY, has shared details of his recent invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding allegations of Naira abuse.
In an Instagram post on Wednesday, AY revealed he was questioned on May 5, 2025, about the public spraying of local and foreign currencies at a social event, an act classified as a violation of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s regulations on currency mutilation.
He expressed gratitude to the EFCC for understanding and granting him a pardon after confirming the funds were not linked to criminal or illicit activities.
AY described the experience as a valuable lesson, committing to raise awareness about respecting Nigeria’s national currency.
He noted that spraying money, a common cultural practice at Nigerian celebrations like weddings and parties, is often misunderstood as harmless but violates Section 21 of the CBN Act, 2007.
Urging Nigerians to avoid mutilating or mishandling the Naira, he emphasised that such acts undermine the currency’s integrity and carry legal consequences.
“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.
“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,” he started.
He added: “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.
“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 behavior and foster a culture of patriotism and integrity. Thank you”.
This follows a similar incident involving actress Iyabo Ojo, who confirmed on Tuesday that she was also questioned by the EFCC on May 5, 2025, over money spraying at her daughter’s wedding.
Both AY and Ojo have pledged to educate the public on the legal implications of currency abuse, highlighting the need to uphold the dignity of the Naira as a symbol of national sovereignty and economic stability.
