The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has questioned popular Nigerian actress Iyabo Ojo regarding alleged currency abuse during her daughter Priscilla Ojo’s wedding celebration. The high-profile wedding, which took place in Nigeria on April 17, 2025, following a traditional ceremony in Tanzania, attracted widespread attention online for its grandeur and celebrity attendance, including notable Nigerian and foreign stars.
Videos from the event showed guests spraying both Nigerian Naira notes and US dollar bills, a practice that has recently come under intense scrutiny by the EFCC as part of its crackdown on currency abuse and money spraying at social events.
In a detailed statement on her Instagram page, Iyabo Ojo confirmed she honored the EFCC’s invitation and appeared before the agency on May 5, 2025, after returning from the United Kingdom. During the interrogation, she was asked about her personal biodata, career, business ventures, and details surrounding the wedding.
Ojo explained that she initially believed only the mutilation or defacement of the Naira was illegal, unaware that spraying any currency-including foreign currencies like the US dollar-was prohibited under Nigerian law. EFCC officials clarified that spraying money on people’s bodies is against the Central Bank Act and constitutes an offense.
“I was surprised to learn that spraying any currency, including dollars, is also not allowed,” Ojo said. She was released the same day but noted that her lawyer remains available for any further inquiries.
The actress used the opportunity to advise Nigerians to desist from spraying or mishandling currency at social gatherings to avoid legal complications. She suggested reconsidering the long-standing cultural tradition of money spraying in light of the EFCC’s enforcement efforts.
Iyabo Ojo’s case is part of a broader EFCC campaign targeting celebrities and socialites involved in currency abuse. Recent high-profile cases include musician Terry Apala, socialite Bobrisky, and Cubana Chief Priest, all of whom faced legal actions or fines related to money spraying or currency mutilation.
The EFCC continues to warn that such practices undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s currency and violate financial regulations, urging the public to comply with the law to avoid prosecution.