Lagos-based businessman and socialite, Emeka Okonkwo, better known as E-Money, has issued a stern warning to Nigerians, urging them to stop spraying or throwing the Naira or any currency at parties, describing the practice as illegal and punishable under Nigerian law.
E-Money’s message, shared via his verified Instagram account on Thursday, follows reports that he was recently questioned by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged currency abuse involving both the Naira and U.S. Dollar at public functions.
Reiterating the EFCC’s position, the celebrity businessman wrote, “Let’s celebrate responsibly and avoid fines. Respect our currency!”
In a more detailed advisory, he added, “If you must give money at a party, make sure you put it in a basket or in a bowl or container in front of the person at the party. Don’t drop any currency on the floor.”
E-Money cautioned that ignorance of the law would not be tolerated, emphasizing that spraying or mishandling money at social events constitutes a direct violation of financial regulations.
His warning comes amid a wave of enforcement actions by the EFCC, which has increased surveillance on high-profile individuals seen publicly flouting currency regulations during lavish events.
The EFCC has repeatedly described the mutilation or abuse of currency, including spraying at parties, as a criminal offense under Nigerian law, vowing to intensify crackdowns on offenders.
Just days before E-Money’s public appeal, reports surfaced that the socialite had been arrested and questioned by the EFCC for allegedly breaching currency handling laws—though the details remain under wraps.
The commission, in various public statements, has expressed concern over the normalization of spraying money at parties, warning that such acts degrade the value of the currency and violate the Central Bank of Nigeria’s directives.
