The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has summoned Ibrahim Mohammad, a Nigerien national, along with his family members and other wedding guests, over alleged naira abuse at his recent wedding to Amina Babagana Zannah in Kano.
This action follows the circulation of a viral video showing individuals spraying naira notes at the event, sparking public backlash as part of EFCC’s ongoing campaign to prevent currency abuse.
Dele Oyewale, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, confirmed the commission’s intervention in the matter.
Initially, reports mistakenly attributed the naira-spraying incident to the wedding of Fauziya Danjuma Goje, daughter of Senator Danjuma Goje, which led to widespread media coverage and public concern.
However, after investigating, EFCC clarified that the event in question was actually the wedding dinner of Amina Babagana Zannah, daughter of Hajara Seidu Haruna (also known as Hafsat Gold Nigeria), the CEO of Hafsat Jewellery Enterprise, with branches in Abuja, Kano, and Dubai.
Haruna acknowledged the incident, explaining that the groom’s family, hailing from Niger Republic, had sprayed naira and dollar bills as part of the celebration.
The EFCC has now summoned Mohammad and all individuals involved in the naira-spraying at the wedding to its national headquarters in Abuja.
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In a statement, the EFCC emphasized its commitment to enforcing currency protection laws. The statement reads: “The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has been drawn to a viral video where the nation’s currency, Naira, was freely sprayed at a wedding ceremony in Kano, Kano State on Friday, October 24, 2024″.
“Allegations of the abuse of the Naira were initially attributed to Mrs. Fauziya Danjuma Goje, daughter of Senator Danjuma Goje, by Nigerians from all walks of life, including an Editorial by a respected National Newspaper.”
“Following thorough analysis, we confirmed that the alleged naira abuse took place at the wedding dinner of Amina Babagana Zannah, daughter of Hajara Seidu Haruna, known as Hafsat Gold Nigeria. The groom’s family from Niger Republic was responsible for spraying naira notes and dollar bills. The Commission has invited the groom and others involved in the incident to report to the national headquarters in Abuja,” the statement concluded.
The EFCC reiterated its commitment to upholding currency regulations, noting the importance of public vigilance in supporting its campaign against naira abuse and dollarization.
The commission assured that it would pursue all violators of currency laws, regardless of status or nationality, while also making clear its intent to avoid prosecuting individuals wrongly accused.
