LAGOS Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced its determination to apprehend and prosecute individuals involved in the misuse of the Nigerian currency.
It also hinted at the commencement of its task force Operations targeting naira abuse and the dollarization of the economy since February 7 of this year.
In a statement released on its official X account on Sunday, the Commission confirmed that it is currently conducting investigations into circulating videos depicting instances of Nigerians engaging in naira abuse at various times.
“The Commission will always investigate and prosecute anyone involved in the abuse of the Naira. 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 Dollarization of the economy commenced operations on February 7, 2024,” EFCC said.
“However, going forward, new videos of such infractions will be investigated and prosecuted,” it added.
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This announcement coincides with a wave of criticism directed at the Commission, notably regarding the arrest and subsequent conviction of Idris Okuneye, a controversial crossdresser widely known as Bobrisky.
Okuneye was apprehended for the act of publicly spraying money, considered a form of naira abuse, leading to his sentencing to six months’ imprisonment with the option of no fine last Friday.
This has prompted individuals on the internet to surface videos showcasing instances of Nigerians blatantly abusing the naira, prompting calls for the EFCC to take action.
However, the Commission observed that as old videos depicting instances of naira abuse resurface, the public is becoming increasingly aware of the laws prohibiting such behavior. The EFCC encourages Nigerians to engage in more collaborative efforts to maintain this momentum.
“Increasingly, members of the public are drawing the attention of the Commission to video recording of abuse of the Naira by Nigerians from all walks of life.
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“These gestures amply demonstrate rising consciousness of the public to the sanctity of our national currency and the need for collaborative engagement to sustain the tempo,” the Commission stated.
The anti-graft agency announced that it has initiated investigations into celebrities implicated in naira abuse, emphasizing its commitment to an unwavering stance on justice for all, without exceptions. The EFCC urges Nigerians to refrain from engaging in unlawful activities.