EFCC summons Nigerien, other guests over alleged Naira abuse at Kano wedding

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has summoned Ibrahim Mohammad, a Nigerien national, along with his family and wedding guests, over allegations of naira abuse during his marriage to Amina Babagana Zannah in Kano.

The summons was prompted by a viral video that captured attendees spraying naira notes at the event, drawing widespread attention as part of the EFCC’s ongoing campaign to curb currency abuse.

Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity for the EFCC, issued a statement confirming the commission’s response to the incident. Earlier reports incorrectly linked the naira-spraying activities to the wedding of Fauziya Danjuma Goje, daughter of Senator Danjuma Goje, causing public concern and extensive media coverage.

However, EFCC investigations later revealed that the naira abuse took place at the wedding reception of Zannah, the daughter of Hajara Seidu Haruna—commonly known as Hafsat Gold Nigeria—CEO of Hafsat Jewellery Enterprise, which operates in Abuja, Kano, and Dubai. Haruna admitted that guests from the groom’s family, who are from Niger Republic, sprayed both naira and dollar notes as part of their celebrations.

The EFCC reiterated its commitment to enforcing currency regulations, stating that violators would face consequences regardless of their status or nationality.

The statement read, “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 imputed to Mrs Fauziya Danjuma Goje, daughter of Senator Danjuma Goje, by Nigerians from all walks of life, including an Editorial by a leading and respected National Newspaper.

“As a responsible and accountable anti-corruption agency campaigning against currency mutilation and dollarization of the economy, the EFCC swung into action by analysing the video and findings showed that the alleged naira abuse actually happened but not at the wedding of Goje’s daughter but at the wedding dinner of Amina Babagana Zannah held on the afore-mentioned date.

“Zannah is the daughter of Hajara Seidu Haruna(a.ka. Hafsat Gold Nigeria) who is the Chief Executive Officer of Hafsat Jewellery Enterprise with offices in Abuja, Kano and Dubai (United Arab Emirate).

“Haruna confirmed the viral video. She admitted that the alleged naira abuse took place at the wedding dinner of her daughter. The bridegroom, Ibrahim Mohammad hails from Niger Republic and those that allegedly sprayed naira notes and dollar bills were from the groom’s family in Niger Republic.

“The Commission has invited the Nigerien groom, Mohammad, to report at its national headquarters in Abuja, with everyone that sprayed naira notes at his wedding with Zannah

“While the EFCC appreciates the consciousness its campaigns against naira abuse is building across the country, it will not move against anyone wrongly accused of an alleged crime. The Commission remains steadfast in this crusade and would spare no offender, no matter how highly placed.”

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