EFCC Plans to Question More Celebrities Over Naira Abuse Amid Intensified Crackdown
Abuja, May 13, 2025 – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced plans to expand its investigation and questioning of celebrities and public figures over the illegal abuse of the Nigerian naira, following a series of high-profile arrests and viral videos exposing the practice.
Renewed Crackdown Following Viral Tompolo Video
The EFCC’s intensified campaign against naira abuse gained renewed momentum after a viral video surfaced showing former Niger Delta militant leader Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, dancing as ₦1,000 notes were lavishly sprayed on him during his 54th birthday celebration. The Commission stated unequivocally that “nobody is above the law” and confirmed that Tompolo will be summoned for questioning over the incident.
This statement underscores the EFCC’s commitment to enforcing Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act 2007 (as amended), which prohibits spraying, dancing on, or defacing the naira during social occasions, punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both.
Recent High-Profile Arrests and Questionings
In recent months, the EFCC has arrested and questioned several celebrities and socialites for similar offenses:
- Emeka Okonkwo (E-Money) was arrested in Lagos for spraying both naira and U.S. dollars at a public event and transferred to Abuja for further investigations.
- Musician Terry Apala was remanded by a Lagos court over naira abuse charges.
- Actress Iyabo Ojo and comedian Ayo Makun (AY) were questioned by the EFCC over currency spraying at a high-profile wedding.
- Socialite Idris Okuneye (Bobrisky) was sentenced to six months imprisonment in 2024 for similar offenses.
- TikTok influencer Murja Kunya and nightlife promoter Pascal Okechukwu (Cubana Chief Priest) have also faced EFCC scrutiny, with Cubana Chief Priest reportedly settling his case for ₦10 million.
Public Reaction and Calls for Equal Enforcement
The EFCC’s crackdown has sparked widespread public debate, with many Nigerians applauding the agency’s efforts to uphold the law and protect the integrity of the naira. However, some critics accuse the EFCC of selective enforcement, pointing to perceived leniency toward politically or financially influential individuals.
The viral Tompolo video reignited calls on social media for the EFCC to apply the law impartially, with many daring the Commission to arrest or question him as it has done with other celebrities.
EFCC’s Position and Future Actions
The EFCC has reiterated that enforcement against naira abuse is non-discriminatory and that all offenders, regardless of status, will be held accountable. The agency’s spokesperson emphasized that more summons and investigations are forthcoming as part of a sustained effort to curb currency mutilation and abuse.
