Super Wedding Palaver: EFCC Grills Iyabo Ojo Over Naira Abuse * actress narrates ordeal, advises Nigerians against money spraying
By Omowumi Omotosho
Popular Nollywood actress, Iyabo Ojo has disclosed that she was recently invited by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), just weeks after her daughter’s grand wedding ceremonies captured national attention.
Her daughter, Priscilla Ojo, tied the knot with Tanzanian singer Juma Jux in a series of opulent wedding events. The celebrations began with an Islamic ceremony in Dar es Salaam in February and continued with traditional and white weddings in Lagos last month.
Prior to Ojo’s confirmation, reports had circulated that the EFCC had quietly summoned the Nollywood actress regarding potential violations related to currency handling at the wedding.
In a post shared via Instagram on Tuesday, Ojo confirmed she honored the EFCC’s invitation shortly after returning from a trip to the United Kingdom.
According to her, she met with EFCC officials on May 5, during which she was questioned extensively about her personal profile, professional journey, and business affiliations.
Ojo said the EFCC presented video clips recorded at the wedding festivities, allegedly capturing guests dashing both naira and foreign currencies.
She recounted being informed that the act of spraying money—whether naira or other currencies—is now considered an offense, not just the mutilation of the naira.
Ojo noted she had been unaware of the law’s breadth: “Following the recent media publication on social media and numerous calls and texts messages from different quarters seeking to hear from me on the EFCC invitation and to ascertain my welfare, I find it expedient to release this briefing,” she wrote.
“I recently had an experience with the EFCC in Nigeria after receiving an invitation letter while I was in the UK. Upon my return, I visited the EFCC on the 5th day of May 2025, where I was asked several questions relating to my personal bio data, career, work experience, and companies, amongst others.
“The EFCC officials showed me videos extracted from my daughter’s wedding where guests, including colleagues and friends, were spraying Naira and foreign currencies.
“I was asked if I knew this was illegal, and I explained that I thought only abuse or mutilation of the Naira was an offense.
“The EFCC officials clarified that spraying money, including on people’s bodies, is prohibited. I was surprised to learn that spraying any currency, including Dollars, is also not allowed.
“After questioning, I was allowed to leave the same day, but my personal lawyer, O.I. Salami stood in for me as I may be called upon again.”
The actress also issued a public advisory to fellow Nigerians, urging them to steer clear of the popular custom of spraying money at events—regardless of the currency—in light of her experience.
Given this experience, I strongly advise against spraying any currency in Nigeria to avoid issues with the EFCC.
“Perhaps it’s time to reconsider this long-standing tradition. Let’s prioritize caution and avoid any potential problems,” she said.
