Popular Nigerian comedian and actor, Ayo Makun, also known as AY, has confirmed that he was invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for questioning over the public spraying of money at a recent event.
AY revealed this in a post shared on his Instagram page on Wednesday, saying he was invited by the EFCC on Monday, May 5, 2025. The invitation was linked to an incident where both local and foreign currencies were sprayed during a celebration — a practice now considered illegal under Nigerian law.
“I am grateful to God for His mercy and guidance. On Monday, I was invited by the EFCC regarding an incident involving the public spraying of both local and foreign currencies,” AY wrote. “The act has been classified as an offense related to the abuse of the Naira.”
According to him, the authorities granted him a pardon after confirming that the money sprayed was not connected to any criminal or illegal activity.
“I want to sincerely thank the EFCC and all authorities involved for their understanding and for granting me pardon based on confirmation that the money being sprayed is not linked to the proceeds of crime or any form of illicit funds,” he added.
AY said the experience taught him a valuable lesson and promised to use his platform to spread awareness about respecting the Naira.
“It is important to understand that mutilating or abusing the Naira—whether by spraying, tearing, defacing, or mishandling—is not just a cultural practice but also a violation of Nigerian law. Such acts undermine the integrity of our national currency and can have serious legal consequences,” he said.
He also shared a message to his fans and the public: “Spraying money at public events is common in Nigerian celebrations. But let us remember that our currency represents the nation. Respect for the Naira is respect for Nigeria’s future.”
AY shared educational slides on his social media page, outlining what Nigerians should and shouldn’t do with the Naira at parties and other events.
In a related development, actress Iyabo Ojo also confirmed that she was invited by the EFCC over her daughter’s wedding, which featured scenes of money spraying. She responded to the commission’s invitation after returning from the United Kingdom and appeared before the EFCC on the same day as AY.
Both AY and Iyabo Ojo have now promised to help educate Nigerians on the dangers and consequences of abusing the Naira, which is punishable under Section 21 of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.
