The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has summoned Ibrahim Mohammad, a Nigerien national, along with his family and other guests, following a controversial naira-spraying incident at his wedding to Amina Babagana Zannah in Kano.
The invitation comes after a viral video surfaced showing individuals spraying naira notes at the wedding, sparking public outcry and prompting the EFCC to take action as part of its ongoing efforts to combat currency abuse.
In a statement, Dele Oyewale, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, confirmed the agency’s involvement in investigating the incident. Initial reports mistakenly linked the naira-spraying to the wedding of Fauziya Danjuma Goje, the daughter of Senator Danjuma Goje. This misattribution led to widespread public concern and coverage by national media outlets.
However, Oyewale clarified that the naira abuse actually occurred during the wedding of Amina Babagana Zannah, daughter of Hajara Seidu Haruna, a businesswoman known as Hafsat Gold Nigeria, and CEO of Hafsat Jewellery Enterprise, with offices in Abuja, Kano, and Dubai.
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Haruna, acknowledging the viral video, confirmed that the incident took place at her daughter’s wedding reception. She explained that the groom’s family, from Niger Republic, were the ones who sprayed naira and dollar bills during the celebrations.
The EFCC emphasized that it will continue to uphold the nation’s currency regulations and take action against anyone found violating these rules, regardless of their status or nationality. The commission also stressed the importance of ensuring that no one is wrongly accused during its investigations.
“The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has been drawn to a viral video showing the nation’s currency, Naira, being sprayed at a wedding in Kano, Kano State, on Friday, October 24, 2024,” the statement read.
“Allegations of naira abuse were initially linked to Mrs. Fauziya Danjuma Goje, daughter of Senator Danjuma Goje, leading to widespread public reaction, including an editorial by a prominent national newspaper. As a responsible anti-corruption agency committed to fighting currency mutilation and the dollarization of the economy, the EFCC analyzed the video and discovered that the incident occurred at the wedding dinner of Amina Babagana Zannah, not the Goje wedding as previously reported.”
The EFCC confirmed that Zannah’s mother, Hajara Seidu Haruna, verified the incident, explaining that Ibrahim Mohammad’s family from Niger Republic was responsible for spraying both naira and dollar notes during the event.
“The Commission has invited the Nigerien groom, Ibrahim Mohammad, to appear at its national headquarters in Abuja, along with everyone who sprayed naira notes at the wedding,” the statement continued.
While praising the growing public awareness of currency abuse, the EFCC reiterated its commitment to tackling financial crimes, regardless of the individual’s status. “The Commission remains resolute in its fight against currency abuse and will not hesitate to take action against offenders, no matter their position or nationality,” the statement concluded.
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