By Stephen Simon
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has released two supporters of the Obidient Movement after questioning them over allegations of naira abuse, bringing to an end several hours of interrogation that sparked reactions from supporters of the political movement.
The two individuals were invited by the anti-graft agency following the circulation of videos on social media allegedly showing the spraying and abuse of the naira at a public event. The EFCC has in recent months intensified enforcement of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, which prohibits the abuse and mutilation of the nation’s currency.
Sources familiar with the matter said the supporters honoured the commission’s invitation and were questioned by investigators before being granted administrative release pending the conclusion of inquiries. The commission has not announced that any formal charges have been filed against them.
The development generated reactions within the Obidient Movement, with some supporters expressing concern over what they described as selective enforcement of the law. They maintained that the anti-corruption agency should apply the law fairly and without regard to political affiliation.
The EFCC, however, has consistently maintained that its crackdown on naira abuse is non-partisan and applies to all Nigerians found to have violated the provisions of the law. In recent weeks, the commission has secured the conviction of several individuals across the country for spraying and mutilating the naira during social events.
Legal analysts noted that the anti-naira abuse campaign has gained momentum since several high-profile personalities, including entertainers and socialites, were investigated or prosecuted for similar offences. They stressed that the law remains binding on every citizen irrespective of status or political leaning.
The release of the two Obidient supporters is expected to calm tensions among members of the movement, even as the EFCC continues its nationwide enforcement campaign against offences involving the abuse of the Nigerian currency.
