A disturbing video circulating online shows fans spraying N1000 naira notes on a singer in praise of President Bola Tinubu, despite clear warnings from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) against abusing the nation’s currency.
The incident occurred while Tinubu attended an official event in Adamawa State, with musician Rarara performing.
In the video, unidentified individuals can be seen showering the singer with currency notes, an act the apex bank has repeatedly condemned.
The Central Bank had emphasised the importance of preserving the naira’s integrity during a recent campaign launch in Abuja.
The Deputy Governor of Operations, Mr. Bala Bello, represented by Dr. Adetona Adedeji, Director of Currency Operations and Branch Management, criticized such acts.
“The naira is more than just a means of payment. It represents our national pride, sovereignty, and shared destiny,” he said.
“Unfortunately, careless practices like spraying money at events, tearing or writing on notes, and mutilation destroy its dignity and make it expensive to maintain.”
The Adamawa incident follows high-profile convictions over naira abuse. Musician Hamisu Sa’id Yusuf, popularly known as “Hamisu Breaker,” and Kano-based TikToker Abubakar Ibrahim, aka “G-Fresh,” were both sentenced to jail for similar offenses.
Justice S.M. Shuaibu of the Federal High Court in Kano delivered the verdict after viral videos showed the duo abusing currency notes. According to the EFCC, Ibrahim was caught spraying and trampling N1,000 notes totaling ₦14,000 while dancing in November 2024 at Rahma Sa’idu’s shop in Tarauni Local Government Area.
The EFCC has repeatedly stressed that such actions violate Section 21(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007, and attract criminal liability.
Despite the apex bank’s clear position and previous convictions, the Adamawa video highlights the ongoing challenge of enforcing currency respect in public events, especially when political figures are present.
