The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has said it is investigating several celebrities over the abuse of the Naira and dollarisation of the country’s economy.
The reaction of the EFCC is coming on the heels of comments over the conviction of Idris Okuneye for Naira abuse.
Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, was jailed for six months for Naira abuse.
This had led to the questioning of the motive of the EFCC, which was accused of singling out Bobrisky for prosecution, when there are several others who engage in the act.
Several videos of celebrities engaging in the act have since flooded the internet.
Reacting to the development in a statement on Sunday, the EFCC said it appreciates the public awakening of Nigerians to the issue of the works of the Commission against Naira abuse, dollarization of the economy and the enforcement of all extant laws relating to them.
The commission said in the statement by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, on Sunday: Increasingly, members of the public are drawing the attention of the Commission to video recording of abuse of the Naira by Nigerians from all walks of life.
“These gestures amply demonstrate rising consciousness of the public to the sanctity of our national currency and the need for collaborative engagement to sustain the tempo.”
It, however, said that going forward, only fresh cases will be attended to.
It added: “To this end, the Commission will always investigate and prosecute anyone involved in the abuse of the Naira.
“Old videos being exhumed and flying around for the attention of the Commission are noted as the Commission is sensitive to the fact that its Special Task Force against Naira Abuse and Dollarization of the economy commenced operations on February 7, 2024.
Also Read
- Bill to repeal, re-enact 2007 NIMC Act passes second reading in Senate
- Wife of Niger State Deputy Governor dies
- TCN suspends planned power outage in Ondo, Ekiti
- Withheld salary: SSANU fixes date to take decision on strike
- Egbetokun speaks on reported moves to elongate his tenure
“However, going forward, new videos of such infractions will be investigated and prosecuted.
“At the moment, the Commission is investigating several celebrities involved in Naira abuse.
“Many of them have made useful statements to the Commission and many more have been invited by investigators working on the matter.
“The EFCC will not relent in its no-sacred-cow mode of operations and the public should be wary of running afoul of laws against the crime.”