Popular comedian and actor Ayo Makun, widely known as AY, has addressed his recent questioning by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding alleged abuse of the naira.
In a statement posted on Instagram on Wednesday, AY confirmed he was invited by the EFCC on Monday, May 5, over the public spraying of both local and foreign currencies at a recent event—an act that contravenes Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) regulations on currency handling.
“I am grateful to God for His mercy and guidance,” AY wrote. “I was invited by the EFCC in relation to an incident involving the public spraying of currencies, which is considered an offence under naira abuse laws.”
He thanked the agency for their understanding and for clearing him after confirming the funds involved were not proceeds of crime or illicit activity.
Describing the experience as a “valuable lesson,” AY pledged to use his platform to promote respect for the national currency. He acknowledged that spraying money is a common practice at Nigerian celebrations but stressed the importance of abiding by the law.
“Mutilating or mishandling the naira—whether by spraying, tearing, or defacing—is not just a cultural issue but a legal one. Such acts can undermine the currency’s integrity,” he added.
AY, 53, urged Nigerians to uphold the naira’s dignity as a symbol of national identity and economic stability.
In a related development, Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo also confirmed she was invited by the EFCC. She complied with the agency’s summons after returning from the UK and appeared before officials on May 5. Her questioning reportedly pertained to events surrounding her daughter’s recent wedding.
Both celebrities have since committed to raising awareness about the legal implications of currency abuse. According to Section 21 of the CBN Act, 2007, defacing, spraying, or tearing the naira is a punishable offence.
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