Drama As Nigerians Dare EFCC To Arrest Tompolo Over Viral Video Of Alleged Naira Abuse

A public debate has erupted online as Nigerians challenge the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to take action against Chief Government Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo, over an alleged case of naira abuse.

The controversy was ignited by a viral video posted on X.com on Sunday by Harrison A who tweets as #harreceipts with the caption, “EFCC, see Tompolo and the Naira o.”

The footage, reportedly from Tompolo’s 54th birthday celebration in April, shows the Niger Delta chieftain dancing while a man lavishly sprays ₦1,000 notes before him.

Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007 (as amended) stipulates that “spraying of, dancing or matching on the Naira or any note issued by the bank during social occasions or otherwise howsoever shall constitute an abuse and defacing of the Naira or such note and shall be punishable under the law by fines or imprisonment or both.”

The EFCC has also consistently warned against the spraying or mutilation of currency, labeling it a criminal offence under Nigerian law.

In April 2024, controversial crossdresser, Idris Olarewaju Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, was sentenced to six months imprisonment for abusing the naira.

Last month, popular Lagos socialite, Emeka Okonkwo Daniel (a.k.a. E-Money), was also arrested by the EFCC for allegedly abusing the Naira note and defacing foreign currencies by allegedly spraying U.S. dollars.

Popular Nollywood actress, Iyabo Ojo, and Nigeria comedian Ayo Makun, were similarly invited and quizzed by the EFCC last week over allegations relating to currency spraying.

Others like Wahab and Raheem Okoya, sons of billionaire Chief Razaq Okoya, were invited by the EFCC in January for questioning after flaunting and spraying naira notes in a music promotion video.

However, with the emergence of Tompolo’s video, Nigerians have accused the EFCC for being selective in law enforcement are speculating that the EFCC may turn a blind eye to the viral video.

As Tompolo’s video continues to trend on social media, Nigerians have dared the EFCC to arrest Tompolo to prove its credibility, while others mocked the agency’s integrity.