We Would Only Investigate New Naira Abuse Videos – EFCC

In the wake of demands of the public calling for the prosecution of individuals caught up abusing the naira in the past, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has stressed that the commission, going forward, would only investigate new naira abuse but not the old cases.

This is against the backdrop of the prison sentence handed down to controversial crossdresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky for abusing the naira

OSUN DEFENDER reports that Bobrisky was sentenced to a six-month jail term by Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday, April 12, 2024, after he was found guilty of abusing the naira. Justice Awogboro stated that the sentence, which has no option of a fine, will serve as a deterrent to others fond of abusing and mutilating the Naira.

The development, however, generated a lot of mixed reactions online as some media users said Bobrisky’s punishment was more of witch hunting, as many celebrities and notable personalities have abused the naira without being punished.

Also, a lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, noted that as a first-time offender for a crime many Nigerians are guilty of, Bobrisky should have been given a lighter sentence.

But the EFCC, statement by its Head, Media, and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, on Sunday, noted that its Special Task Force against Naira Abuse and Dollarization of the economy commenced operations on February 7, 2024, therefore new videos of naira infractions will be investigated and prosecuted going forward.

The statement reads in part: “On the issue of the works of the Commission against Naira abuse, dollarization of the economy and the enforcement of all extant laws relating to them, the EFCC appreciates the avalanche of public awakening, support, and involvement demonstrated so far.

“Increasingly, members of the public are drawing the attention of the Commission to the video recording of abuse of the Naira by Nigerians from all walks of life. These gestures amply demonstrate the rising consciousness of the public to the sanctity of our national currency and the need for collaborative engagement to sustain the tempo.

“To this end, the Commission will always investigate and prosecute anyone involved in the abuse of the Naira. Old videos being exhumed and flying around for the attention of the Commission are noted as the Commission is sensitive to the fact that its Special Task Force against Naira Abuse and Dollarization of the economy commenced operations on February 7, 2024. However, going forward, new videos of such infractions will be investigated and prosecuted.

“At the moment, the Commission is investigating several celebrities involved in Naira abuse. Many of them have made useful statements to the Commission and many more have been invited by investigators working on the matter. The EFCC will not relent in its no-sacred-cow mode of operations and the public should be wary of running afoul of laws against the crime, the statement added.