The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has summoned Ibrahim Mohammad, a Nigerien national, and his guests to explain their actions after a viral video showed them spraying naira notes at a wedding in Kano.
The incident occurred during the wedding of Mohammad to Amina Babagana Zannah on October 24, 2024, and has sparked widespread public outrage.
The EFCC’s swift response follows public backlash, with many condemning the spraying of naira notes as an illegal act. In the viral video, guests can be seen throwing naira and dollar bills during the wedding celebrations, which led to an outcry on social media and national news outlets.
Dele Oyewale, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, confirmed the commission’s intervention, stating that it was a part of their ongoing effort to tackle the misuse and abuse of the national currency.
“There is no place for currency abuse in this country,” Oyewale said. “The EFCC will hold individuals accountable, regardless of their nationality or status, and we will continue to uphold the law to protect the integrity of the naira.”
The investigation initially faced confusion when reports mistakenly linked the incident to the wedding of Fauziya Danjuma Goje, daughter of Senator Danjuma Goje. The mistake was widely circulated by major national newspapers, causing public confusion and concern.
However, the EFCC clarified the situation after reviewing the video and conducting its investigation. It was revealed that the naira-spraying incident occurred at the wedding of Amina Babagana Zannah, not Fauziya Danjuma Goje.
The statement from the EFCC revealed that the bride, Amina Zannah, is the daughter of Hajara Seidu Haruna, a well-known businesswoman and CEO of Hafsat Jewellery Enterprise. Haruna, who also operates businesses in Abuja, Kano, and Dubai, acknowledged the incident, confirming that guests from the groom’s family, who are from Niger Republic, had sprayed the naira and dollar bills during the celebration.
In an official statement, Haruna explained, “It was part of the celebrations. The groom’s family did this out of joy, but we didn’t think it would attract this much attention.”
The EFCC has now invited Ibrahim Mohammad, the groom, and all those involved in the spraying to report to its headquarters in Abuja for questioning.
The commission’s focus on currency abuse comes as part of a broader campaign to stop the practice, which they argue leads to the depreciation of the naira and contributes to the dollarization of Nigeria’s economy.
“We are not just going after individuals, we are safeguarding the value of our currency,” said Oyewale. “The EFCC remains committed to upholding the laws that protect our national currency and will act swiftly against those who break the law.”
The EFCC also emphasized that, while they are dedicated to combating currency abuse, they will ensure that no innocent individuals are wrongfully accused. “Our commitment to justice means that we will investigate thoroughly and ensure that any charges brought forward are backed by solid evidence,” Oyewale stated.
This incident highlights the growing awareness of currency misuse across the country. The EFCC’s currency protection campaign has seen increased public vigilance, with many citizens reporting suspected cases of naira abuse.
The public outcry has prompted many Nigerians to reconsider their attitudes toward currency abuse, with some questioning the cultural significance of spraying money at events. Others argue that the practice, though traditional, undermines efforts to stabilize the economy.
