SPOTTED: Videos of 10 celebrities spraying naira at events

The abuse of the naira — the Nigerian currency — is deemed a criminal offense, punishable under the law. Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007 (as amended) stipulates that “spraying of, dancing or matching on the naira or any note issued by the bank during social occasions or otherwise howsoever shall constitute an abuse and defacing of the naira or such note and shall be punishable under the law by fines or imprisonment or both”.

Despite countless warnings by the apex bank, spraying of naira notes at social gatherings had continued without sanctions for many years. It has been seen as a tradition in many parts of Nigeria.

But last year, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which is a key collaborator with the CBN on the “unpatriotic practice”, wielded the big stick on Simi Gold, the actress, in what happened to be a landmark case of naira abuse.

Gold was arrested in February 2023 after a video of her spraying and stepping on the naira notes at a party surfaced online. She was sentenced to six months in prison in February 2024. The court, however, handed down the sentence with an option of a N300,000 fine.

A few weeks after Gold’s court case, Bobrisky, the crossdresser, was arrested in Lagos for defacing the naira notes. Last Friday, Bobrisky was sentenced to six months in prison. The sentence was without the option of bail.

While tongues were wagging on social media over the nature of Bobrisky’s sentence, the anti-graft filed a three-count charge against Cubana Chief Priest, the nightlife promoter, for alleged abuse of the Nigerian currency.

Cubana, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges on Wednesday. Kehinde Ogundare, a judge of the federal high court in Lagos, thereafter granted him bail in the sum of N10 million with two responsible sureties in like sum. The case was also adjourned.

Last Sunday, the commission warned that many more celebrities will be prosecuted, adding that it is investigating those who may have been involved in currency abuse.

In this report, TheCable Lifestyle takes a look at ten other celebrities who have once sprayed naira notes at an event.

Watch the videos below.

Wizkid

In December 2023, revealed that he would distribute the sum of N100 million to the kids for Christmas.

While doing so, the singer was seen spraying wads of cash on the streets of Lagos while inside his lush automobile.

The ‘Ojuelegba’ hitmaker was also seen throwing money during his mother’s burial that took place in October last year.

Portable

The ‘Zazoo Zeh’ singer is known for his philanthropy, especially on the streets of Sango-Ota, his hometown in Ogun. He has been spotted throwing money into the air on several occasions during his visit home.

Kanayo O Kanayo

In 2021, the ace Nollywood actor was spotted at a party during the Christmas festivities in Imo state. To celebrate the festivities, he sprayed money into the air as people danced around him.

Asake

The ‘Joha’ singer was also seen throwing money into the air at a party hosted by Yhemolee a few months ago.

Asake took the wads of minted N500 notes, removed the currency straps, and flung the notes into the air from the roof of the building where he stood.

Eniola Badmus

Badmus was sighted at a party alongside Bobrisky tossing money at Mega 99, the gospel juju musician, while he was performing at an event some years ago.

Chichi

The former BBNaija graduate recently shared a video on X where she was spotted spraying money at a strip club.

Obi Cubana

The business mogul and his son also dispersed money in bundles on some band members during an event while they sang his praise.

Naira Marley

The Marlian music boss and his signee were also seen at a party surrounded by many Nollywood actors and actresses.

The event, which took place about a year ago, saw Marley showering money in bundles on the actresses as the others hyped him.

Pasuma

The Fuji musician sprayed money on Boye Best, his colleague, during the latter’s performance at an event a few months back.

Although, he did not directly place the money on Best’s body but into the hand of his PA who held out a bowl to collect the notes.

Regina Daniels

In July, the actress was seen spraying wads of cash on her mother in their home, as she danced to commemorate her 48th birthday.