EFCC Vows to Question Tompolo Over Viral Naira Abuse Video Amid Public Outcry
Abuja, May 12, 2025 – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed it will question former Niger Delta militant leader Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, following a viral video showing alleged abuse of the Nigerian naira during his 54th birthday celebration in April.
Viral Video Sparks Public Outrage and Calls for Equal Enforcement
The video, which surfaced on social media over the weekend, shows Tompolo dancing while large sums of ₦1,000 notes are lavishly sprayed and stepped on. Originally posted on X (formerly Twitter) by user Harrison A (@harreceipts) with the caption “EFCC, see Tompolo and the Naira o,” the footage quickly went viral, igniting widespread public outrage.
Nigerians took to social media to accuse the EFCC of selective enforcement, demanding that the commission prosecute Tompolo just as it has done with other high-profile individuals caught abusing the currency.
EFCC Responds: “Nobody Is Above the Law”
In response to the mounting pressure, the EFCC issued a statement on its official social media platforms on Monday, assuring the public that Tompolo will not be exempt from the law. The Commission declared:
“Nobody is above the law. Tompolo will have questions to answer!”
This marks the EFCC’s first public acknowledgment of the viral video and signals its intent to investigate or summon Tompolo for questioning.
Legal Context: Naira Abuse is a Criminal Offense
Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act 2007 (as amended) explicitly prohibits the spraying, dancing on, or defacing of the naira. Violators face penalties including a minimum of six months’ imprisonment, fines of no less than ₦50,000, or both.
The EFCC has intensified its campaign against naira abuse over the past year, prosecuting several prominent Nigerians for similar offenses. Notable cases include:
- Idris Olarewaju “Bobrisky” Okuneye, sentenced to six months’ imprisonment in April 2024 for naira abuse.
- Pascal Okechukwu (“Cubana Chief Priest”), arrested and granted bail for similar charges.
- Emeka Okonkwo (“E-Money”), arrested and granted bail for naira and foreign currency abuse.
- Actress Iyabo Ojo and comedian Ayo Makun (“AY”), recently questioned by the EFCC over currency spraying at social events.
Public Reaction and Calls for Consistent Enforcement
The viral video has reignited debates on social media about the EFCC’s perceived double standards, with many Nigerians urging the agency to apply the law impartially regardless of an individual’s status or influence.
Some social media users criticized the EFCC for allegedly ignoring similar abuses by other wealthy or influential figures, while others welcomed the Commission’s vow to act.
Next Steps
While the EFCC has not confirmed whether Tompolo has been formally summoned or arrested, its statement indicates that an investigation or questioning is imminent. The public and media are closely watching to see if the Commission will follow through with the same rigor it has applied in other high-profile naira abuse cases.
