Naira Abuse: Why Is EFCC Protecting Tompolo

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it is taking action against Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, over an allegation of naira abuse.

Tompolo appeared in a viral video, reportedly filmed during his 54th birthday celebration in April, where he danced while a man sprayed ₦1,000 notes in front of him.
The video attracted widespread criticism and sparked fresh calls for the EFCC to investigate.

In response to public concern, the anti-corruption agency said the Niger Delta figure has questions to answer regarding the video.

“Nobody is above the law. Tompolo will have questions to answer!” the EFCC posted on its official social media accounts on Monday.

In the video, Tompolo, wearing white and red clothing, is seen dancing as a man continues to throw ₦1,000 notes into the air — an act banned by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Section 21(3) of the CBN Act, 2007 (as amended) states: “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 been using this section more often to prosecute people who mishandle naira at public events. The agency has also warned that the law applies equally to everyone.

Tompolo’s video came back into public view just weeks after several celebrities and public figures were targeted in a wave of EFCC crackdowns for similar offences.

Is EFCC Protecting Tompolo?

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olanipekun Olukoyede, has warned Nigerians against condemning former commander of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Government Ekpemupolo aka Tompolo, over an alleged mutilation of Naira notes.

Olukoyode has pleaded with Nigerians not to condemn the former militant leader over what he termed as mere allegations.

He urged Tompolo would be given a fair hearing before any action is taken against him.

“Nigerians please dont condemn Tompolo for a mere allegation let’s give him fair hearing.

“We have subjected the video to forensic analysis because these days people can create such videos,” the EFCC chairman said in another video which has made many wonder if the commission is afraid of apprehending Tomopolo.

As the video keeps circulating online, more people are calling on the EFCC to take action. Many say how the commission handles this case could either build or weaken public trust in its fairness.

In April 2024, controversial crossdresser Idris Olarewaju Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, received a six-month jail sentence for abusing the naira. Around the same time, Lagos socialite Emeka Okonkwo Daniel, also known as E-Money, was arrested by the EFCC for allegedly spraying naira and defacing foreign currency by spraying U.S. dollars.

Other prominent individuals have also faced similar scrutiny. TikTok influencer Murja Kunya and nightlife promoter Pascal Okechukwu, known as Cubana Chief Priest, reportedly reached a ₦10 million settlement with the EFCC.

Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo and comedian Ayo Makun were invited and questioned last week over allegations of currency spraying. Wahab and Raheem Okoya, sons of billionaire Chief Razaq Okoya, were also invited in January after they appeared in a music video spraying naira notes.

Now, with Tompolo’s video in the spotlight, many Nigerians have accused the EFCC for being selective in law enforcement speculating that the EFCC may turn a blind eye to the viral video.