Nollywood star, Iyabo Ojo has addressed swirling headlines following her invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), over allegations of currency abuse during her daughter Priscilla’s glamorous wedding to Tanzanian singer Juma Jux on April 17, 2025.
Viral footage from the opulent Lagos event showed guests showering the couple with naira and dollar bills — a celebratory gesture deeply rooted in Nigerian tradition but considered an offense under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act, which forbids currency defacement and abuse.
Taking to her social media platforms, Iyabo Ojo clarified that she was not arrested but respectfully honored the EFCC’s invitation. “I was not detained. I was invited and I went,” she said, urging Nigerians to stay informed about legal expectations during festivities. The actress reiterated her respect for Nigerian laws and encouraged others to celebrate within the limits of the law.
Her statement comes amid a broader crackdown by the EFCC on high-profile socialites and entertainers accused of currency spraying, including music mogul E-Money. In a shift from the norm, even public figures are now advocating for alternative ways to gift money at events — using envelopes or designated drop-boxes instead of flamboyant spraying.
The incident has reignited national debate over the clash between cherished cultural practices and legal mandates. For many Nigerians, spraying money is more than a show of wealth — it’s a festive symbol of joy and honor. But the EFCC insists that preserving the integrity of the naira must come first, no matter the occasion.
Iyabo Ojo’s experience stands as a high-profile example in the EFCC’s growing campaign to reshape how Nigerians celebrate, and raises broader questions: Can tradition and law coexist — or will one ultimately give way to the other?
