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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced its commitment to apprehend and prosecute any Nigerian who fails to comply with the regulations prohibiting the spraying of Naira in public gatherings. The act of showering money at parties and churches has long been a popular tradition in Nigeria, often serving as a lively icebreaker at social events.
For many Nigerians, the act of flaunting a bundle of crisp Naira notes and tossing them onto the dance floor conveys a message of affluence and social status. However, in recent times, law enforcement agencies have intensified their efforts to crack down on individuals who partake in this practice, citing a violation of Section 21(3) of Nigeria’s CBN Act of 2007.
While it is true that many of our members enjoy the tradition of spraying money during musical events and adult harvest celebrations, the church leadership has repeatedly emphasized the need to adhere to the regulations. Unfortunately, some parishioners have chosen to disregard these warnings, thereby giving law enforcement agencies the authority to enforce laws aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the country’s currency.
In accordance with the law, the act of spraying money at events is strictly prohibited, with consequences that may include imprisonment, substantial fines or a combination of both.
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Mr Ola Olukoyede Chairman of EFCC.
This law was recently enforced with the arrest of the well-known crossdresser, Bobrisky, for Naira abuse. Following his guilty verdict, Bobrisky was sentenced to six months in prison. Similarly, socialite Pascal Okechukwu, also known as Cubana Chief Priest was granted a N10m bail after pleading ‘not guilty’ to charges of Naira abuse.
The convictions of Bobrisky and the heightened awareness of this legislation have prompted many to explore alternatives to the long-standing tradition of money spraying.
Been a law abide religious organization, the Church Constitution in section 106 condemn the spaying of currency note on choir in appreciation of their music.
Such actions are considered a form of defacement of Nigeria’s legal tender and have attracted increased scrutiny and disapproval. It is imperative that we all respect the laws in place to protect our national currency and uphold the values of financial integrity and responsibility. Let us work together to ensure compliance with these regulations and promote a culture of respect for our currency.
