Nigerian actor Seun Jimoh has taken a bold stand against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), accusing the agency of unfairly targeting celebrities as scapegoats in its crackdown on the abuse of the naira.
In a scathing post on his Instagram page, Jimoh questioned the silence of civil rights groups on the issue, highlighting the deeply ingrained cultural significance of spraying money at events.
Jimoh expressed his frustration, stating, “So no civil rights group can challenge the prosecution of spraying Naira? A long imbibed cultural norm, a practice that is as old as the country itself and has deeply rooted cultural imprints.”
He argued that while curbing the transactional sale of Naira for Naira at parties may be understandable, completely banning the act of spraying money contradicts Nigeria’s vibrant partying culture.
“It looks like scapegoats are being selected to send a message to the general populace,” Jimoh lamented, criticizing the EFCC’s approach to cultural reforms as “sinister” and lacking empathy for Nigerian citizens’ mental health.
Jimoh further questioned the fairness of singling out celebrities for prosecution when the practice of spraying money is widespread among Nigerians, with ample video evidence available online.
“Why isn’t anyone ever caught on video spraying money between the time the law has been in effect till now being arrested? Why celebrities? Celebrities and citizens too!” Jimoh exclaimed, highlighting the arbitrary nature of the EFCC’s enforcement.
With his outspoken criticism, Seun Jimoh has sparked a crucial conversation about the EFCC’s tactics and the broader implications of targeting celebrities in the fight against naira abuse. His call for a more nuanced approach to cultural reforms resonates with many Nigerians grappling with the complexities of tradition and law enforcement.
