EFCC probes naira abuse after a viral video shows a man spraying cash on a cow inside a Warri church, sparking outrage across social media
EFCC probes naira abuse following the circulation of a viral video that captured an unidentified man spraying wads of Nigerian currency inside a church in Warri, Delta State.
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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission confirmed it had opened an investigation into the incident.
The agency’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, noted that the EFCC was aware of the footage and had begun examining the details. He described the matter as one already receiving attention.
The video shows the man spraying various denominations, including N200, N50 and N20 notes, on a dark-coloured cow during what appeared to be a thanksgiving ceremony. A woman beside him held a large stack of cash as he continued the display.
Church worship was ongoing as the act unfolded. The pastor sang in Urhobo while a hype man repeatedly hailed the man as a young billionaire, urging worshippers to recognise him. Loud hip-hop music filled the church, drawing cheers as the man sprayed the money.
The footage has sparked a powerful wave of criticism on social media. A user named Fortis described the scene as offensive, expressing concern that children were present. Another user, @BishopBoye, referenced biblical imagery to condemn the act.
Others questioned the legitimacy of the event as a church gathering. Ituma Sunny insisted no genuine place of worship would tolerate the behaviour.
Some users offered harsher allegations, with one commenter, Prince Ade-Chameleon, claiming the individuals involved were kidnappers.
Attempts to reach the spokesperson of the Delta State Police Command, Edefa Bright, were unsuccessful at the time of this report.
Naira abuse remains a persistent issue in Nigeria. Spraying or mutilating currency is a violation of Section 21 of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, which prohibits mishandling of the national currency.
In recent years, clips of people spraying money at parties, concerts and even religious gatherings have repeatedly gone viral. The EFCC has intensified its crackdown, making arrests and securing convictions to curb the trend.
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The commission continues to warn that currency mutilation undermines the dignity of the naira, encourages illicit financial behaviour and contributes to broader economic disorder. Officials maintain that ignorance of the law cannot serve as an excuse.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
