By Daniel Otera
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has found itself in the eye of a public accountability storm following the emergence of a viral video featuring ex-Niger Delta militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, allegedly engaging in naira abuse during his birthday celebration.
The video, which surfaced over the weekend, shows Tompolo dancing as N1,000 notes are flung into the air and trampled underfoot a spectacle that has reignited widespread criticism of the EFCC’s approach to enforcement of anti-naira abuse laws.
Online backlash quickly ensued, with many Nigerians calling out the anti-graft agency for what they described as “selective prosecution” and demanding that Tompolo be arrested and prosecuted. Responding to the public outcry, the EFCC issued a strongly worded statement via its verified social media accounts on Monday, asserting that it would take action.
“Nobody is above the law. Tompolo will have questions to answer,” the agency declared.
The development follows months of aggressive public enforcement by the EFCC under the provisions of Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, 2007 (as amended), which criminalises actions such as spraying, dancing on, or stepping on the national currency. The offence is punishable by imprisonment of not less than six months, a fine of no less than ₦50,000, or both.
Mounting Pressure for Equal Application of the Law
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Observer Times gathered that the latest video, allegedly filmed during Tompolo’s 54th birthday in April, has sharpened public focus on whether the EFCC enforces the law uniformly or shields politically connected individuals.
“We’ve seen celebrities jailed, questioned, and fined, but how many powerful ex-militants or politicians face the same music?” asked Lagos-based legal analyst Ifeoma Okoye. “This is a moment for the EFCC to prove that no Nigerian is above the law.”
The outrage also feeds into a broader national conversation around justice and accountability, particularly as the EFCC has, over the past year, intensified its clampdown on high-profile figures for various acts of currency defacement.
String of Celebrity Prosecutions
In April 2024, controversial internet personality Idris Olarewaju Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment with no option of fine for naira abuse. Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Lagos delivered the ruling in a high-profile case that received nationwide attention.
Similarly, nightlife entrepreneur Pascal Okechukwu, also known as Cubana Chief Priest, was arraigned in court for allegedly spraying naira notes at a social event. He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of ₦10 million.
Shortly after, socialite Emeka Okonkwo, widely known as E-Money, was arrested at his Lagos residence and released on bail following accusations of defacing both naira and foreign currencies at a public event.
In an expanding probe, the EFCC also invited Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo and comedian Ayo Makun (AY) over alleged currency abuse during a high-profile wedding in Lagos. Both confirmed their cooperation with the agency, and Ojo stated she had honoured the invitation upon returning from abroad.
The commission reportedly extended similar invitations to Wahab and Raheem Okoya sons of billionaire industrialist Razaq Okoya in connection with a music video in which naira notes were sprayed.
Despite the high-profile nature of some of these cases, critics argue that the EFCC’s enforcement appears skewed. Accusations of favouritism and political bias continue to surface, with online commentators citing delays in action against individuals perceived as influential or politically connected.
While EFCC insists its campaign against naira abuse is impartial, the public continues to question whether accountability extends to all citizens, irrespective of their political affiliations or past alliances with the state.
The Legal Imperative
The Central Bank’s regulation, which forms the backbone of the EFCC’s enforcement drive, clearly prohibits any form of naira abuse whether through spraying at parties, trampling underfoot, or defacement by writing or tearing.
Section 21(3) of the CBN Act reads: “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 and shall be punishable under the law by fines, imprisonment, or both.”
The EFCC has repeatedly referenced this statute in its warnings, cautioning the public against treating the naira with levity.
Tompolo, who gained prominence as a key player in the Niger Delta militant struggle before embracing amnesty and assuming a role in pipeline surveillance under federal contracts, has yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
It remains to be seen whether the EFCC will move beyond public declarations and formally invite or prosecute him a decision that could either reinforce or undermine its public credibility.
