Bobrisky: EFFC Will Not Probe Old Videos of Naira Abuse, Says Spokesperson

Pat Stevens/

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared that it would not probe any recorded incident of Naira abuse older than February 7, 2024.

The clarification by the anti-graft agency is contained in a statement by its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, yesterday.

The statement came on the heels of allegations of double standard by a section of the public in the prosecution and conviction of popular crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky, for the same offence.

There had been widespread doubts about the sincerity of the government in prosecuting Bobrisky owing to several other documented incidences of naira abuse by celebrities and functionaries which had not attracted any repercussions.

The statement by the commission reads, “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 video recording of abuse of the Naira by Nigerians from all walks of life. These gestures amply demonstrate 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.”