Nigerian actress and filmmaker, Iyabo Ojo, on Tuesday said she was unaware that spraying money, including foreign currencies, at events, was against the law.
Ojo revealed this in a statement posted on her official Instagram page, @iyaboojofespris, to clarify the reason behind her recent visit to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on May 5.
According to the actress, she received an invitation letter from the EFCC while she was in the United Kingdom.
“Upon my return, I visited the EFCC, where I was asked several questions relating to my personal bio-data, career, work experience, and companies, amongst other topics.
“The EFCC officials showed me videos extracted from my daughter’s wedding, where guests – including colleagues and friends – were seen spraying Naira and foreign currencies.
“I was asked if I knew this was illegal, and I explained that I thought only the abuse or mutilation of the Naira was an offense.
“The EFCC officials clarified that spraying money, including on people’s bodies, is prohibited.
“I was surprised to learn that spraying any currency – including Dollars – is also not
allowed,” she said.
Ojo said after questioning her, she was allowed to leave the same day.
The actress, however, noted that her lawyer, O.I. Salami, stood in for her, in case of another invitation from the EFCC.
Though the actress did not specify if she partook in spraying money at the occasion, she urged Nigerians to refrain from the habit.
“Given this experience, I strongly advise against spraying any currency in Nigeria to avoid issues with the EFCC.
“Perhaps it’s time to reconsider this long-standing tradition,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the post has received over 47,000 comments from friends and colleagues, including Funke Akindele, showing her support.
