Money Rain No More: Cubana Chief Priest Bows to EFCC Pressure, Urges Celebrities to Stop Spraying Cash

 

Nigerian socialite and celebrity barman, Cubana Chief Priest, has raised a red flag over the once-glamorous act of spraying money at parties—a tradition deeply rooted in Nigerian celebratory culture. Taking to his Instagram page on May 1st, 2025, he sounded the alarm on what he now considers a dangerous and avoidable legal risk, particularly for public figures and high-profile businessmen.

Known for his flamboyant appearances and larger-than-life persona at high-society events, Cubana Chief Priest has long been associated with luxury, opulence, and the signature act of spraying bundles of currency into the air. However, his recent post shows a dramatic shift in tone. “If you are a well known businessman with address, please don’t spray money,” he wrote. “EFCC are not joking on this.” The caution comes amid growing attention from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which has recently extended its scrutiny to public acts of currency abuse.

With news of fellow socialite E-Money receiving an invitation from the EFCC, Cubana's message appears both timely and urgent. He made no effort to sugarcoat the realities, recounting his own brush with the law: “I nearly go jail last year.” That experience, he emphasized, served as a turning point in how he expresses wealth and celebration in public. “Me I no go ever spray again—whether dollar, euro, naira or pounds,” he declared.

The practice of spraying money, especially at weddings, birthdays, and other social gatherings, has long been seen as a display of affluence and generosity. It has also contributed to the livelihood of DJs, MCs, and event photographers who capture and amplify these moments. But with regulatory authorities drawing a clear line, many are now questioning the sustainability of this cultural hallmark.

Rather than framing the EFCC’s intervention as an overreach, Cubana Chief Priest seemed to support the agency’s firm stance, particularly as it relates to public figures who are more easily identifiable. “If you already have an invitation letter from the EFCC, please go and honor it,” he advised. For him, this is not just about legal compliance but about self-preservation in an increasingly watchful environment.

The post has since gone viral, generating widespread discussion online. Social media users, particularly those in the entertainment and event industries, are split on the matter. Some see it as a long-overdue reform to promote respect for the national currency, while others believe it targets cultural practices that should be protected rather than criminalized.

Still, the weight of Cubana Chief Priest’s influence cannot be underestimated. His declaration marks a significant cultural shift. As someone who once embodied the grandeur of money-spraying rituals, his retreat from the practice may set a precedent for other entertainers and socialites.

Many celebrities, influencers, and party hosts are now reconsidering how they flaunt their success, looking for creative alternatives that don’t involve the public display of currency. Cubana himself hinted at this change in direction, noting that he's working on “finding new ways to make a statement at events without risking arrest.”

Legal experts have also weighed in on the EFCC’s intensified enforcement, pointing to Section 21 of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act which criminalizes the abuse of the naira, including practices like spraying, mutilating, or writing on banknotes. While the law is not new, enforcement had been lax—until now.

Cultural critics argue that the focus should be on public enlightenment rather than punitive measures, especially considering how entrenched the practice is in Nigerian society. They call for a balanced approach that preserves cultural identity while maintaining financial and legal integrity.

For Cubana Chief Priest, the matter appears to be less about cultural loss and more about adaptation. The stakes are simply too high. “If you spray money, EFCC must come for you. Happy new month fam. Avoid wahala,” he concluded.

This no-nonsense warning may signal the beginning of the end for a long-cherished form of celebration. Whether others will follow his lead remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Nigeria’s party scene is undergoing a transformation, and the days of carefree money showers may soon be a thing of the past.