The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) clarified that politicians and celebrities who misused the Nigerian currency (naira) at social events before February 7 will not face prosecution.
According to the EFCC, the decision is based on the fact that their offenses occurred prior to the launch of the commission’s Special Task Force against Naira Abuse.
Recently, there was controversy surrounding the sentencing of crossdresser Idris ‘Bobrisky’ Okuneye to six months in prison without the option of a fine for spraying the naira.
Concerned citizens pointed out other Nigerian elites, including business mogul Obi Cubana, Minister of Arts Hannatu Musanawa, and Senator Ned Nwoko’s wife, Regina Daniels, who were captured on video also spraying the naira at social gatherings.
The non-prosecution of ministers or business moguls who openly abused the naira during social occasions led to speculation that the crossdresser was unfairly punished.
In response, Dele Oyewale, the head of EFCC’s media unit, clarified that only currency abusers from the time the Special Task Force Against Naira Abuse was established would be prosecuted. Old videos would be disregarded.
Oyewale said in a statement Sunday:
“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 Dollarisation of the economy commenced operations on February 7, 2024.
“However, going forward, new videos of such infractions will be investigated and prosecuted.”
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