The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it has invited more celebrities caught in the act of spraying and mutilating Naira at social functions, stating that they are being investigated for possible prosecution.
The anti-graft agency also said it has directed its Special Task Force against Naira Abuse and dollarisation of the economy to continue the clampdown on the saboteurs and not allow any “sacred cows” in their mode of operations.
Dele Oyewale, the spokesman of the agency, who disclosed this to journalists in Abuja, said the recent video showing some Nigerians abusing Naira would be thoroughly investigated and such infractions would be punished.
Daily Trust had reported that the controversial cross-dresser, Idris Olanrewaju Okuneye was on Friday jailed by Lagos court for six months without option of fine over the offence that bordered on abuse of Naira.
Giving an update on the development on Sunday, Oyewale, who said Nigerians had bombarded the commission with different videos showing several people with the same offence, noted that it means the citizens are already awaken.
“At the moment, the commission is investigating several celebrities involved in Naira abuse. Many of them have made useful statements to the commission and many more have been invited by investigators working on the matter,” Oyewale told journalists.
He said, “On the issue of the works of the commission against Naira abuse, dollarisation of the economy and the enforcement of all extant laws relating to them, the EFCC appreciates the avalanche of public awakening, support and involvement demonstrated so far.
“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.
“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. To this end, 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 dollarisation of the economy commenced operations on February 7, 2024.
“However, going forward, new videos of such infractions will be investigated and prosecuted. The EFCC will not relent in its no-sacred-cow mode of operations and the public should be wary of running afoul of laws against the crime.”
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