The abuse of the naira — the Nigerian currency — is deemed a criminal offense, punishable under the law. Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007 (as amended) stipulates that “spraying of, dancing or matching on the naira or any note issued by the bank during social occasions or otherwise howsoever shall constitute an abuse and defacing of the naira or such note and shall be punishable under the law by fines or imprisonment or both”.
Despite countless warnings by the apex bank, spraying of naira notes at social gatherings had continued without sanctions for many years. It has been seen as a tradition in many parts of Nigeria.
But last year, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which is a key collaborator with the CBN on the “unpatriotic practice”, wielded the big stick on Simi Gold, the actress, in what happened to be a landmark case of naira abuse.
Gold was arrested in February 2023 after a video of her spraying and stepping on the naira notes at a party surfaced online. She was sentenced to six months in prison in February 2024. The court, however, handed down the sentence with an option of a N300,000 fine.
A few weeks after Gold’s court case, Bobrisky, the crossdresser, was arrested in Lagos for defacing the naira notes. Last Friday, Bobrisky was sentenced to six months in prison. The sentence was without the option of bail.
While tongues were wagging on social media over the nature of Bobrisky’s sentence, the anti-graft filed a three-count charge against Cubana Chief Priest, the nightlife promoter, for alleged abuse of the Nigerian currency.
Cubana, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges on Wednesday. Kehinde Ogundare, a judge of the federal high court in Lagos, thereafter granted him bail in the sum of N10 million with two responsible sureties in like sum. The case was also adjourned.
Last Sunday, the commission warned that many more celebrities will be prosecuted, adding that it is investigating those who may have been involved in currency abuse.
Watch the videos below.
Wizkid
In December 2023, revealed that he would distribute the sum of N100 million to the kids for Christmas.
While doing so, the singer was seen spraying wads of cash on the streets of Lagos while inside his lush automobile.
The ‘Ojuelegba’ hitmaker was also seen throwing money during his mother’s burial that took place in October last year.
Portable
The ‘Zazoo Zeh’ singer is known for his philanthropy, especially on the streets of Sango-Ota, his hometown in Ogun. He has been spotted throwing money into the air on several occasions during his visit home.
Kanayo O Kanayo
In 2021, the ace Nollywood actor was spotted at a party during the Christmas festivities in Imo state. To celebrate the festivities, he sprayed money into the air as people danced around him.
Asake
The ‘Joha’ singer was also seen throwing money into the air at a party hosted by Yhemolee a few months ago.
Asake took the wads of minted N500 notes, removed the currency straps, and flung the notes into the air from the roof of the building where he stood.
Eniola Badmus
Badmus was sighted at a party alongside Bobrisky tossing money at Mega 99, the gospel juju musician, while he was performing at an event some years ago.
At 90, Otunba Bushura Adedeji Alebiosu – “Bush of Africa” stands as a living testament to wisdom, resilience, and enduring influence.
His life has been a remarkable journey of service, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to community development and political excellence at the grassroots.
Otunba Alebiosu’s legacy is written not just in years, but in lives touched, leaders raised, and structures built. A bridge between generations, his voice has shaped conversations, guided decisions, and inspired countless individuals to embrace purposeful leadership.
Today, we celebrate not just longevity, but impact. Not just age, but relevance. Not just a man, but an institution.
May your wisdom continue to illuminate paths, and may your legacy remain evergreen.
Happy 90th Birthday, Bush of Africa
E-signed:
Oloye Salami Oluwaseun Managing Director/CEO Crosserlough Development Company
In a world where birthdays are often marked by glittering parties and exclusive guest lists, Zaynab Otiti Obanor chose a different path—one paved with compassion, empathy and an uncommon milk of human kindness.
For Zaynab, philanthropy is not a seasonal obligation or a public relations gesture; it is a way of life. True to her enduring spirit of generosity, she marked her birthday not with chandeliers and champagne, but with open arms and a giving heart—celebrating with the needy, the forgotten and the vulnerable.
From distributing food items and essential supplies to sharing warm embraces and reassuring words, she turned what could have been a private celebration into a communal blessing. For many beneficiaries, her presence was more precious than the gifts she brought. She did not merely give; she connected. She listened. She cared.
Those who know her say this is vintage Zaynab—graceful yet grounded, elegant yet empathetic. A woman who understands that true royalty is not defined by status but by service. In her quiet but impactful way, she continues to demonstrate that the greatest wealth one can possess is a generous spirit.
Her philosophy has always been clear: to change the world, we must first change our attitude toward giving. And on her special day, she once again proved that kindness, when shared, multiplies.
As she adds another year, Zaynab Otiti Obanor stands tall—not just as a celebrated figure, but as a beacon of hope. A queen, indeed, whose crown shines brightest in the lives she touches.
As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu clocks 74 today, tributes have continued to pour in, with Dr. Jubril Adewale Tinubu, CON, leading the chorus of commendation for what he describes as a legacy of courage and far-reaching vision.
In a warm gesture that underscores respect, loyalty, and shared vision, Tinubu, GCE, Oando Group and a prominent figure in Nigeria’s corporate sphere extended heartfelt felicitations to the President, celebrating a life defined by resilience, leadership, and enduring impact on Nigeria’s political and economic landscape.
Dr. Tinubu, praised the President for his steadfast commitment to nation-building, describing him as a visionary leader whose influence has remained pivotal in shaping modern Nigeria. He noted that President Tinubu’s journey—from his days as a pro-democracy advocate to his emergence as the nation’s number one citizen—stands as a testament to courage, tenacity, and strategic foresight.
According to him, the President’s Renewed Hope agenda continues to inspire confidence among stakeholders within and outside the country, as it seeks to reposition Nigeria on the path of sustainable growth and prosperity. He commended Tinubu’s bold reforms and unwavering determination to tackle long-standing structural challenges, emphasizing that true leadership often requires difficult but necessary decisions.
“Leadership asks for courage, the kind that stands firm when decisions are difficult, and the path is not always applauded. You have taken on that responsibility, making choices that are stabilising our economy and restoring confidence’’ Dr. Tinubu stated.
He further prayed for renewed strength, wisdom, and good health for the President, expressing optimism that the years ahead will usher in even greater accomplishments for both the leader and the nation at large.
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