APC Supporter Caught Spraying Naira Notes on Tinubu's Singer Rarara in Viral Video
A supporter of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was cautioned for spraying naira notes on famous Hausa musician Dauda Rarara during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's visit to Yola, Adamawa State. The incident occurred on Monday, February 16, 2026, while Rarara performed his latest hit song 'Omo Ologo' (Child of Glory) in honor of the President.
Incident Highlights Ongoing Controversy Over Money Spraying
The viral video shows an excited woman dressed in APC attire moving close to Rarara during his performance and spraying approximately three naira notes in the presence of President Tinubu. She was immediately cautioned by those present, but the act has sparked significant controversy given ongoing campaigns against the mishandling of Nigerian currency.
This incident highlights the enduring culture of flaunting cash at social events despite clear legal restrictions. Section 21 of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act explicitly prohibits such acts, making money spraying, stepping on naira notes, or using them as props at celebrations illegal under Nigerian law. Violators are subject to legal penalties including fines and potential imprisonment.
Nigerians React with Anger Over Perceived Double Standards
Social media platforms erupted with outrage as Nigerians expressed frustration over what many perceive as selective enforcement of naira handling laws. Users pointed out that while ordinary citizens have been arrested for similar offenses, the incident occurred openly in front of the President without immediate legal consequences.
Key social media reactions included:
- "They passed a law against spraying naira, and ordinary Nigerians have been arrested for it. Now it happens openly in front of the president, and nobody questions. Same law, different treatment."
- "Will CBN see this? Yes. Will CBN react to this? No. Will EFCC see this? Yes. Will they react? You know na."
- "But if na birthday party, church dey spray money like this na that time EFCC go come fine the person."
- "EFCC is on strike. They will call off the strike soon, and an investigation will commence to validate the video if it was real or AI-generated."
Historical Context of Naira Abuse Enforcement
The incident recalls previous cases where celebrities and socialites faced legal action for similar offenses. Most notably, Nigerian socialite E-Money was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on April 28, 2025, for allegedly abusing both naira and foreign currencies during public events.
E-Money's arrest generated widespread media attention and public discussion about the consistency of law enforcement regarding currency handling. Many Nigerians now question why similar enforcement actions haven't followed this latest incident involving an APC supporter during a presidential event.
Legal Framework and Public Awareness Campaigns
The Central Bank of Nigeria has conducted numerous public awareness campaigns about the proper handling of naira notes. These educational initiatives emphasize that the naira is a national symbol that deserves respect and proper treatment. The CBN Act specifically prohibits:
- Spraying naira notes at events
- Stepping on or dancing on currency
- Writing on or defacing naira notes
- Using currency as decoration or props
- Selling or hawking naira notes
Despite these clear regulations and ongoing public education efforts, the practice of money spraying continues at social gatherings across Nigeria, particularly during weddings, birthdays, and political events.
Political Implications and Public Perception
The timing of this incident during President Tinubu's visit to Adamawa State adds political significance to the controversy. Adamawa is a state controlled by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), making the behavior of APC supporters during the presidential visit particularly noteworthy.
Public perception of selective law enforcement could potentially impact political support, especially among citizens who have witnessed or experienced strict enforcement of the same laws in different contexts. The incident raises questions about whether political connections influence how laws are applied in Nigeria.
The viral video continues to circulate on social media platforms, with many Nigerians calling for consistent application of naira handling laws regardless of political affiliation or social status. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and Central Bank of Nigeria have yet to issue official statements regarding this specific incident.
