An incident involving the public spraying of naira notes has sparked controversy following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s official visit to Adamawa State on Monday.
The event took place in Yola, where the president was in attendance to commission several projects, including an eight-lane road and newly constructed model schools. During the ceremony, popular Hausa musician Dauda Kahutu Rarara performed songs in support of the president while on stage.
Video footage circulating online shows a group of women spraying naira notes on the singer during his performance — a practice that contravenes provisions of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act. The law prohibits the abuse or mutilation of the national currency, including spraying or defacing banknotes, and prescribes penalties of up to six months’ imprisonment, a fine, or both.
The incident has drawn sharp reactions on social media, with critics questioning the enforcement approach of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Although the anti-graft agency has previously secured convictions in similar currency abuse cases — including that of cross-dresser Bobrisky — no arrests have been announced in connection with the Adamawa episode.
Online commentators have accused authorities of selective enforcement, alleging that individuals perceived to be aligned with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are treated more leniently. Some users shared satirical images and memes, including depictions of a blindfolded eagle, symbolising what they described as unequal application of the law.
As of press time, neither the EFCC nor the Central Bank of Nigeria had issued an official statement regarding the incident.
The development has renewed public debate over currency protection laws and the consistent enforcement of financial regulations in Nigeria.
