In a startling warning that has sent ripples through Nigeria’s elite party scene, celebrity businessman and nightlife impresario, Cubana Chief Priest, has openly declared he will no longer engage in the flamboyant act of spraying money at events. The declaration, which came via his Instagram handle on May 1, 2025, is not just a personal lifestyle change but a cautionary note to his peers amid the growing scrutiny from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

“EFCC are not joking on this,” he wrote bluntly in a post that has now gone viral. “If you are famous, if you are a well-known businessman with address, please don’t spray money.” These words, typed from Bourdillon, Ikoyi—a highbrow area in Lagos—carry the weight of both experience and urgency. Cubana Chief Priest, known for his lavish lifestyle, luxury endorsements, and high-energy presence at events, is no stranger to the EFCC’s radar. In fact, he admitted that he narrowly avoided jail last year over similar issues.

According to his post, the decision to abandon money spraying is more than a PR move—it's a survival strategy. “I nearly go jail last year. Me I no go ever spray again whether dollar, euro, naira or pounds,” he confessed. That statement alone has sent shivers down the spines of many in the social and business elite who have long used currency spraying as a symbolic display of wealth and celebration. For Cubana Chief Priest, the cost of that symbolism now outweighs the glitter and glory that once accompanied it.

The EFCC, Nigeria’s foremost anti-graft agency, has in recent months intensified its campaign against public displays of unexplained wealth, especially those that appear to flout the country’s financial regulations. Currency spraying at public events, which often involves throwing or placing money on entertainers, celebrants, or guests in ostentatious ways, has long been viewed as part of Nigerian party culture. However, the EFCC now sees it as a potential avenue for money laundering and other illicit financial activities. The agency has reportedly started identifying and inviting high-profile individuals caught on camera engaging in these acts for questioning.

Cubana’s appeal, therefore, is not without context. “If you already have an invitation letter from the EFCC, please go and honor it,” he advised, signaling that the agency is actively tracking offenders and no longer giving a pass to the rich and influential. This represents a dramatic shift in enforcement and perception, as public figures have often been seen as untouchable.

In a cultural climate where money spraying has become a near-sacred tradition at weddings, concerts, burials, and birthdays, Cubana Chief Priest’s declaration marks a turning point. Known for his signature phrase “doings,” he hinted at reinventing celebration culture. “I'm seriously working on another type of doings wey we go dey use shut down events,” he announced, suggesting a future where extravagance can still exist—just not in the form of airborne naira notes.

The announcement has sparked intense conversations on social media, with some fans praising his maturity and foresight, while others mourn the apparent end of an era. “End of an era! No more rain of money at owambe,” one user lamented. Others saw it as a wake-up call. “If Cubana Chief Priest is stepping back, everyone should take this seriously,” another user posted.

The reality is sobering: for years, flamboyant spending was celebrated as a sign of success, influence, and gratitude. But with the EFCC’s evolving posture, even the slightest misstep could translate into legal battles, frozen accounts, or worse, incarceration. The fact that Cubana—one of the faces of modern luxury in Nigeria—is now preaching caution rather than exuberance tells just how serious the situation has become.

It’s not the first time the EFCC has made headlines for going after the wealthy and well-known. In the past, entertainers, politicians, and entrepreneurs have found themselves entangled in high-profile cases involving unexplained wealth. But the crackdown on currency spraying at events now introduces a whole new level of scrutiny—one that targets lifestyle as much as financial integrity.

The businessman ended his statement with a friendly but firm piece of advice to his fans and colleagues: “Happy new month fam, Avoid wahala.” It was a gentle reminder that the new month should come with new habits, especially when the stakes are this high. The message is loud and clear: Nigeria’s culture of celebration is being redefined, and the rules of engagement have changed.

As May unfolds, there’s an unspoken sense of anticipation. Will other celebrities follow Cubana Chief Priest’s lead? Will partygoers now favor discreet wire transfers and gift boxes over naira showers? Or will the social resistance to this cultural shift fuel further crackdowns?

Whatever the case, one thing is certain: the EFCC is watching, and this time, they are not joking.