Abusing the naira, Nigeria’s currency, is a criminal act punished by law. Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007 (as amended) states that “spraying, dancing, or matching on the naira or any note issued by the bank during social occasions or otherwise howsoever shall constitute abuse and defacing of the naira or such note and shall be punishable under the law by fines or imprisonment or both.”
Despite several warnings from the apex bank, spraying naira notes at social occasions had gone on without consequence for many years. It is regarded as a custom in many places of Nigeria.
But last year, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which is a key partner with the CBN on the “unpatriotic practice,” wielded the heavy stick on Simi Gold, the actress, in a landmark case of naira misuse.
Gold was arrested in February 2023 after a video of her spraying and stepping on naira bills at a party was shared online. She was sentenced to 6 months in prison in February 2024. The court, however, imposed the punishment with the possibility of a N300,000 fine.
A few weeks after Gold’s court appearance, Bobrisky, the crossdresser, was detained in Lagos for defacing naira notes. Last Friday, Bobrisky was sentenced to six months in prison. The sentence was without the possibility of bail.
The anti-graft agency issued a three-count charge against Cubana Chief Priest, the nightlife promoter, for alleged abuse of Nigerian currency, while social media was abuzz with speculation about Bobrisky’s sentencing.
Cubana pleaded not guilty to the allegations on Wednesday. Kehinde Ogundare, a judge of the Federal High Court in Lagos, then granted him bail in the amount of N10 million with two responsible sureties in the same amount. The case was also adjourned.
Last Sunday, the commission warned that more celebrities may be prosecuted, and that it is examining people suspected of currency abuse.
In this piece, TheCable Lifestyle looks into ten more celebrities who have sprayed naira notes at an event.
Watch the videos below.
Old videos of 10 celebrities spraying naira at events pic.twitter.com/YyfYfBs0Tg
— CableLifestyle (@CableLifestyle) April 17, 2024
Wizkid
In December 2023, he declared that he will distribute N100 million to the children for Christmas.
While doing so, the musician was observed spraying wads of cash on the streets of Lagos from inside his luxurious car.
The ‘Ojuelegba’ hitmaker was also observed flinging money during his mother’s burial in October last year.
Portable
The ‘Zazoo Zeh’ singer is well-known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly on the streets of Sango-Ota, his hometown in Ogun. During his visit home, he was witnessed flinging money into the air multiple times.
Kanayo O Kanayo
In 2021, the renowned Nollywood actor was sighted at a Christmas celebration in Imo state. To commemorate the occasion, he sprayed money into the air while people danced around him.
Asake
The ‘Joha’ singer was also spotted throwing money into the air at a party hosted by Yhemolee a few months back.
Asake took the wads of newly produced N500 notes, removed the currency straps, and tossed them into the air from the roof of the building where he stood.
Eniola Badmus
Badmus was seen at a party with Bobrisky, tossing money at Mega 99, the gospel juju musician, who was performing at an event a few years ago.
Chichi
The former Big Brother Naija star recently released a video on X in which she was seen spraying money at a strip club.
Obi Cubana
The business magnate and his son also lavished money on some band members during an occasion while they sung his praises.
Naira Marley
The Marlian music boss and his signee were also spotted at a gathering attended by numerous Nollywood actors and actresses.
The occasion, which took place around a year ago, saw Marley shower the actresses with money while the others hyped him.
Pasuma
The Fuji musician poured money on his colleague Boye Best during his performance at an occasion a few months ago.
However, he did not place the money directly on Best’s body, but rather in the hand of his PA, who held out a bowl to receive the notes.
Regina Daniels
In July, the actress was filmed showering cash on her mother in their house as she danced to celebrate her 48th birthday.
