Deyemi Okanlawon Questions EFCC’s Focus on Naira Abuse, Calls It ‘A Bit Too Much’

Nollywood actor Deyemi Okanlawon has expressed mixed feelings about the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s recent clampdown on naira abuse, especially as it relates to entertainers.

Speaking during an interview on Nollywood On Radio, the movie star acknowledged the importance of the campaign but suggested that the focus might be misplaced in the face of Nigeria’s larger issues.

“Two things, I think that because something is cultural does not make it right.”

“We have a culture that does not really emphasise on maintenance of things,” he said.

Comparing how Nigerians treat the naira to a broader attitude of negligence in society, he explained: “We have seen how things are built and we do not maintain it so we continue in that light…”

“They are saying have respect for the naira, have respect for your country, maybe that is the way to do it.”

“But the second thing is that I also think there are so many issues with corruption and crime going on in the country across different segments of people.”

Okanlawon said he believes the EFCC’s emphasis on celebrities and entertainers for naira spraying feels excessive.

“So this move by the agency to come against entertainers is a bit too much in the light of everything else that we are trying to deal with.”

He added that the public’s trust in the EFCC would improve if they saw more high-profile corruption cases being tackled.

“If every day we hear about corrupt officials, politicians, or organisations being brought down by the agency, we’d be more likely to trust that they’re acting in our best interest.”

“Then, if they ask us to stop something like spraying money, we’d likely obey without question because we’d trust that the agency has the moral right to make such requests.”

His remarks follow recent arrests and invitations by the EFCC involving celebrities like Bobrisky and Cubana Chiefpriest for naira mutilation.

Other entertainers, including Iyabo Ojo and AY Makun, were also questioned for spraying money at events.