Iyabo Ojo clarifies EFCC invitation over dollar spraying at daughter Priscilla's wedding

• Iyabo Ojo confirmed EFCC invitation over dollar spraying at her daughter’s wedding to Juma Jux but denied arrest
• The actress said she was unaware spraying any currency was illegal in Nigeria and vowed to educate others
• Her clarification then sparked debate on the popular Nigerian tradition versus currency laws

Popular Nollywood actress and filmmaker Iyabo Ojo trended across Nigerian social media after confirming that she was invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for questioning over alleged abuse of the US dollar at her daughter Priscilla's wedding ceremony.

The development comes after earlier rumours claimed that Ojo had been arrested in connection with the viral video clips showing guests spraying foreign currency, specifically US dollars, at the wedding of her Priscilla and Juma Jux.

In an official statement shared on her social media pages, Iyabo Ojo confirmed that she honored an EFCC invitation following the circulation of said videos.

She explained that the EFCC found clips of herself and other guests engaging in the act of spraying money, which, under Nigerian law, is a punishable offense regardless of the currency involved.

“I was unaware that spraying any currency, including the dollar or naira, is illegal in Nigeria,” she stated. “I’ve now been educated by the commission, and I hope others can learn from this as well.”

Iyabo Ojo further stated that after being informed about the legal implications, she was not detained and was allowed to leave after the briefing. In a move praised by many, she used the opportunity to educate her followers on the longstanding tradition of money spraying at parties and its conflict with Nigerian financial laws.

Reactions to her statement have been mixed. While some Nigerians believe she is capitalising on the recent EFCC and VeryDarkMan controversies to gain clout, others have commended her composed and proactive approach, especially when compared to her 2023 dispute with the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS).

Cultural clash: Tradition vs regulation

Money spraying, a long-cherished tradition at Nigerian celebrations, is now increasingly coming under legal scrutiny as authorities crack down on financial crimes and currency misuse. The EFCC has, in recent months, intensified its enforcement efforts following high-profile cases involving celebrities and public figures.

For now, Iyabo Ojo’s transparency appears to have won her favour with many members of the public, who see her statement as both a teachable moment and a timely warning.

Movie Review: Iyabo Ojo's Labake Olododo serves action, romance, drama

Earlier, TheRadar reviewed Iyabo Ojo's latest offering at the cinemas, Labake Olododo.

The movie explored the life of a heavily fortified woman warrior, Labake, who led a team of warriors to win wars, upheld the defence of her town Lukosi and ultimately gave them prestige and an unstoppable status among kingdoms. Over the course of the movie, the stony warrior melted, encountered love but suffered a fatal betrayal.