Nollywood actress and filmmaker Iyabo Ojo has confirmed she was recently invited for questioning by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over viral videos from her daughter Priscilla Ojo’s extravagant wedding, where guests were seen spraying naira and foreign currencies.
In an Instagram post on Tuesday, Ojo addressed the media buzz and speculation, revealing that she received the EFCC invitation while in the United Kingdom. Upon her return to Nigeria, she honoured the invitation on May 5, 2025.
“I was asked several questions about my personal details, career, work history, and companies,” she explained.
‘Unaware it was an offence’
The EFCC showed her footage from the wedding, questioning her over the spraying of cash at the event.
“I was asked if I knew it was illegal. I explained that I thought only the abuse or mutilation of the naira was an offence,” Ojo said. “I was surprised to learn that spraying any currency, including dollars, is also prohibited.”
She stated she was released the same day, with her lawyer assigned to represent her in future if required.
“Given this experience, I strongly advise against spraying any currency in Nigeria. It’s time we rethink this cultural tradition to avoid legal issues,” she added.
A star-studded celebration
Priscilla’s high-profile wedding to Tanzanian singer Juma Jux was one of the year’s most talked-about celebrity events. It began in February with a traditional ceremony in Tanzania, followed by a Nigerian ceremony on April 17 and a grand white wedding in Lagos on April 19. The event drew top Nollywood stars, including Mercy Aigbe, Destiny Etiko, and Toyin Abraham.
EFCC’s Ongoing Crackdown
Ojo joins a growing list of celebrities caught in the EFCC’s crackdown on currency abuse. Musician Terry Apala was recently remanded by a Lagos court for allegedly mutilating naira at a social event. Controversial figure Bobrisky was sentenced to six months in prison without the option of a fine for spraying naira at parties. Cubana Chief Priest faced similar charges but reached a ₦10 million settlement with the EFCC and agreed to support a public awareness campaign. Socialite E-Money also drew attention after allegedly spraying naira and dollar bills at a public event, although no formal charges have been filed. TikTok influencer Murja Kunya was arrested for spraying naira at a hotel event.
The EFCC has consistently warned that spraying or mishandling currency at social gatherings violates the Central Bank Act and is punishable by law. The agency continues to intensify efforts to curb the practice, viewing it as a threat to the integrity of Nigeria’s currency.
