The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) stated on Monday that allegations of naira abuse against Mrs Fauziya Danjuma Goje, daughter of Senator Danjuma Goje, are unfounded.
A viral video showing naira notes being freely sprayed at a wedding in Kano on Friday, 24 October 2024, led many to believe the event was her wedding, prompting calls for her and others involved to be held accountable.
In a statement from its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the EFCC confirmed that, although the video indeed depicted naira abuse, it was not recorded at Goje’s daughter’s wedding.
Oyewale clarified that the incident actually took place during the wedding reception of Amina Babagana Zannah, daughter of Hajara Seidu Haruna, also known as Hafsat Gold Nigeria, the owner of Hafsat Jewellery Enterprise, with branches in Abuja, Kano, and Dubai.
The statement read: “The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been drawn to a viral video showing the nation’s currency, the naira, being sprayed at a wedding ceremony in Kano, Kano State, on Friday, 24 October 2024.
“Allegations of naira abuse were levelled against Mrs Fauziya Danjuma Goje, daughter of Senator Goje, by Nigerians from various backgrounds, including a respected national newspaper.
“As a responsible and accountable anti-corruption agency campaigning against currency abuse and the dollarisation of the economy, the EFCC acted swiftly, analysing the video. Findings revealed that, while naira abuse did occur, it was not at Goje’s daughter’s wedding but at the wedding reception of Amina Babagana Zannah, held on the stated date.
“Zannah is the daughter of Hajara Seidu Haruna (also known as Hafsat Gold Nigeria), the CEO of Hafsat Jewellery Enterprise, with locations in Abuja, Kano, and Dubai (United Arab Emirates).”
Oyewale stated that Haruna, Zannah’s mother, confirmed the authenticity of the video and acknowledged it was recorded at her daughter’s wedding.
He added that the EFCC has summoned Mohammad, the groom, to its national headquarters in Abuja, along with others involved in the alleged currency abuse, for further questioning.
Oyewale added, “Haruna confirmed the viral video and admitted that the naira abuse took place at her daughter’s wedding reception on 24 October 2024. The bridegroom, Ibrahim Mohammad, hails from Niger Republic, and those allegedly spraying naira and dollar bills were from his family in Niger Republic.
“The Commission has invited the Nigerien groom, Mohammad, to report to its national headquarters in Abuja, along with all individuals involved in spraying naira notes at his wedding to Zannah.
“While the EFCC values the awareness its campaigns against naira abuse are generating across the country, it will not act against anyone wrongly accused of an offence. The Commission remains committed to this campaign and will hold any offender accountable, regardless of their status.”