EFCC Vows to Invite Ex-Militant Leader Tompolo Over Viral Naira Abuse Video
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced its intention to question former Niger Delta militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, following the circulation of a viral video that appears to show him being sprayed with naira notes at a public event.
The video, reportedly captured during Tompolo’s 54th birthday celebration in April, shows guests lavishly spraying him with ₦1,000 notes a practice deemed illegal under Nigerian law.
Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act 2007 criminalizes the abuse, defacing, or spraying of the national currency, prescribing penalties including fines, imprisonment, or both.
In a public statement shared via its official social media platforms, the EFCC declared: “Nobody is above the law. Tompolo will have questions to answer!”
The anti-graft agency’s move comes amid increasing scrutiny of high-profile figures accused of currency abuse.
In recent months, the EFCC has secured the conviction of controversial crossdresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, who was sentenced to six months in prison in April 2024. Similarly, businessman Emeka Okonkwo, also known as E-Money, was arrested earlier this year for allegedly defacing both naira and U.S. dollars at social gatherings.
Public reaction to the video has been swift and critical, with many Nigerians calling on the EFCC to uphold the law without bias. On social media, hashtags questioning the agency’s consistency in enforcement began trending shortly after the video surfaced, with many users urging the EFCC to prove that “no one is above the law.”
Critics have accused the EFCC of selective justice, alleging that the agency tends to target celebrities and socialites while overlooking politically connected individuals.
“Eagle eye don blind,” one social media user commented, challenging the EFCC to demonstrate impartiality in the Tompolo case.
As of the time of this report, Tompolo has not issued any public response to the EFCC’s statement. It remains unclear when he will be formally invited for questioning.
This incident marks yet another test of the EFCC’s resolve to enforce financial laws equitably and without favoritism. All eyes remain on the agency as it navigates this high-profile investigation.
