Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has broken her silence following her recent invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), shedding light on the circumstances surrounding her visit to the agency.
Taking to her Instagram page on May 6, 2025, the actress explained that she was summoned by the EFCC over the issue of currency spraying at her daughter’s wedding.
According to her, the invitation came while she was still in the United Kingdom. “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,” she began.
Iyabo Ojo went on to narrate how, upon her return to Nigeria, she honored the EFCC invitation on May 5, 2025. She described how she was taken through a series of questions regarding her personal details, career, work experience, and her various companies.
The actress noted that the session was cordial but eye-opening, as it led to a deeper understanding of an issue she had previously misunderstood.
“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 May 2025, where I was asked several questions relating to my personal bio data, career, work experience, and companies, amongst others,” she explained.
The focal point of the EFCC’s inquiry, she revealed, was the widely circulated video clips from her daughter Priscilla’s wedding. These clips showed guests, including friends and colleagues, spraying various currencies – an age-old tradition in Nigerian celebrations.
The EFCC officers highlighted that spraying money, regardless of the currency – whether naira, dollars, or other foreign currencies – was considered illegal.
“The EFCC officials showed me videos extracted from my daughter’s wedding where guests, including colleagues and friends, were spraying the naira and foreign currencies,” Iyabo Ojo stated.
“I was asked if I knew this was illegal, and I explained that I thought only 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.”
Reflecting on this revelation, the actress expressed surprise and acknowledged her initial ignorance of the extent of the law. She further explained that after the questioning, she was permitted to leave, with her personal lawyer, O.I. Salami, standing in for her in case of any future summons.
Despite the encounter, she expressed gratitude for the civil manner in which the process was handled and used the opportunity to urge others to be cautious.
“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,” she advised.
The actress’s post quickly gained traction, sparking conversations across social media platforms. Many Nigerians debated the practice of money spraying, with some supporting Iyabo Ojo’s advice for caution, while others argued that the tradition was a cultural expression that should not be criminalized.
Some even called for a clear public enlightenment campaign on the subject to ensure Nigerians understand the law regarding currency handling.
As the discussions continue, Iyabo Ojo’s experience has brought the spotlight once again on the cultural practice of spraying money at social events, raising questions about the need for a balance between cultural expressions and legal compliance.
The actress has now become a voice of caution, using her experience to educate her fans and the general public about the implications of currency spraying in Nigeria.
