By Nehru Odeh
Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo, has turned ‘born again” after her encounter with officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Monday, May 5 2025.
The popular actress, who was palpably shocked when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, invited her for questioning over alleged abuse of the naira at her daughter, Priscilla’s, wedding to Tanzanian singer Juma Jux, has started campaigning against the spraying of money at social events.
Iyabo showed she had turned a new leaf in a statement she issued after her appointment with officials of the Financial Crimes Commission.
This change of heart, according to the actress, is expedient for everyone “to avoid having issues with the EFCC.” Iyabo said she had received the letter of invitation while still in the United Kingdom.
“I commend the EFCC officials for their candour, respect, and civility. 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. Let’s prioritise caution and avoid any potential problems. Thank you,” Iyabo ‘s statement read.
This latest development came when, on her return to Nigeria, she reported to the EFCC headquarters where she was questioned extensively about her personal background, professional activities, and business operations.
EFCC officials reportedly presented video evidence from the wedding, showing guests spraying both Naira and foreign currencies during the celebration.
According to Iyabo, operatives of the EFCC asked her if she knew that spraying of the naira and other foreign currencies was illegal. And her response was that she thought only abuse or mutilation of the Naira was an offence.
She revealed that the agency reminded her that spraying any form of currency, whether local or foreign, is a criminal offence under Nigerian law.
Though she was released the same day, as her lawyer stood in for her, she added that she may be called upon for further questioning.
It was that experience at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja that made her turn a new leaf and warn the public against the cultural practice of spraying money at events, adding that it could lead to legal troubles.
The actress stated that the clarification became necessary because she had received numerous calls and texts from various sources to ascertain her welfare.
Here is Iyabo ‘s statement after the EFCC experience.
Good afternoon, lovely people.
Following the recent media publication on social media and numerous calls and text messages from different quarters seeking to hear from me on the EFCC invitation and to ascertain my welfare, I find it expedient to release this briefing.
I recently had an experience with the EFCC in Nigeria after receiving an invitation letter while I was in the UK. Upon my return, I visited the EFCC on the 5th day of 2025, where I was asked several questions relating to my biodata, career, work experience, and companies, amongst others.
The EFCC officials showed me videos extracted from my daughter’s wedding where guests, including colleagues and friends, were spraying Naira and foreign currencies.
I was asked if I knew this was illegal, and I explained that I thought only abuse or mutilation of the Naira was an offence.
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.
After questioning, I was allowed to leave same day, but my personal lawyer, O.I. Salami stood in for me as I may be called upon again.
I commend the EFCC officials for their candor, respect, and civility. 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. Let’s prioritize caution and avoid any potential problems.
Thank you
~Alice Iyabo Ojo