Nigerian actress and filmmaker Iyabo Ojo has said she was unaware that spraying money, including foreign currencies, at events was against the law in Nigeria.
In a statement shared on her official Instagram page, @iyaboojofespris, Ojo explained the circumstances surrounding her recent visit to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on 5 May.
According to the actress, she had received an invitation from the EFCC while she was in the United Kingdom. Upon her return, she honoured the invitation and was questioned by officials.
“I was asked several questions about my personal and professional background, including my work experience and the companies I’m involved with,” she stated.
She added that the EFCC officials presented video footage from her daughter’s wedding, where guests were seen spraying both naira and foreign currencies.
“I was asked if I was aware that spraying money is illegal. I explained that I believed only the abuse or mutilation of the naira was a criminal offence,” Ojo said.
She noted that the EFCC clarified that spraying money including on people is prohibited under Nigerian law, regardless of whether it is the naira or a foreign currency.
“I was genuinely surprised to learn that even spraying dollars is not allowed,” she added.
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Ojo confirmed that she was released the same day after the questioning and that her lawyer, O. I. Salami, will represent her in the event of further invitations.
Although the actress did not confirm whether she personally sprayed money at the event, she urged Nigerians to be cautious.
“Given this experience, I strongly advise against spraying any currency in Nigeria to avoid complications with the EFCC. Perhaps it’s time to reconsider this long-standing tradition,” she said.
