A public debate has erupted online as Nigerians challenge the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to take action against Chief Government Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo, over an alleged case of naira abuse.
The controversy was ignited by a viral video posted on X.com on Sunday by Harrison A who tweets as #harreceipts with the caption, “EFCC, see Tompolo and the Naira o.”
The footage, reportedly from Tompolo’s 54th birthday celebration in April, shows the Niger Delta chieftain dancing while a man lavishly sprays ₦1,000 notes before him.
PUNCH reports that Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007 (as amended) stipulates that “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 or such note and shall be punishable under the law by fines or imprisonment or both.”
The EFCC has also consistently warned against the spraying or mutilation of currency, labeling it a criminal offence under Nigerian law.
In April 2024, controversial crossdresser, Idris Olarewaju Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, was sentenced to six months imprisonment for abusing the naira.
Last month, popular Lagos socialite, Emeka Okonkwo Daniel (a.k.a. E-Money), was also arrested by the EFCC for allegedly abusing the Naira note and defacing foreign currencies by allegedly spraying U.S. dollars.
Popular Nollywood actress, Iyabo Ojo, and Nigeria comedian Ayo Makun, were similarly invited and quizzed by the EFCC last week over allegations relating to currency spraying.
Others like Wahab and Raheem Okoya, sons of billionaire Chief Razaq Okoya, were invited by the EFCC in January for questioning after flaunting and spraying naira notes in a music promotion video.
However, with the emergence of Tompolo’s video, Nigerians have accused the EFCC for being selective in law enforcement are speculating that the EFCC may turn a blind eye to the viral video.
As Tompolo’s video continues to trend on social media, Nigerians have dared the EFCC to arrest Tompolo to prove its credibility, while others mocked the agency’s integrity.
Najeeb Bello who tweets on X.com as #NejeebBello wrote, “Once e reach their Oga and him friends, “Eee Eff See See” go turn “Eee Eff Blind Blind”. No be just Tompolo, but what of these Folawiyo Eleganza sons wey record and publish video of themselves dey abuse Naira?”
#OurFavOnlineDoc also called out the agency saying, “Here is Tompolo mutilating the Naira. I know the eyes of that your eagle will suddenly go blind but I am bringing this to your attention publicly so the whole world will see you are a shameless agency with double standards.”
Meek Rapheal tweeting as #MeekRapheal similarly wrote, “Okoya’s son is still working freely and you expect them go for Tompolo, their laws is only effective when the offender is not from the rich class, same with every security agency in Nigeria none is truly for the masses.”
#powerchibueze questioned, “Is Tompolo bigger than EFCC?” Just as #AjeboMezie said, “I dare EFCC to go near him.”
Somto Okonkwo tweeting as #General_Somto commented, “Eagle Eye Don Blind,” while #kellyoxty commented, “If una like, turn blind eye to this one, but I don tag una #officialEFCC.”
#jenslaw_ wrote, “The eagle won’t be able to see it. The eagle’s vision is blurred to this kink of people.”
Tony Ajah tweeting as #tonyajah commented, “They won’t see it o. They will say he wasn’t the one spraying the money.
On Facebook, Chikodiri Emeluwa wrote, “Tompolo is not a soft target, they no born EFCC well to near am. They only go for soft targets.”
Esther Mabiaku also commented, “They arrest Emoney bcs him leg touch naira ok now Tompolo dey Waka unto naira,if them born efcc well make them reach there.”
Darlinghton Chidiebere Iheanacho similarly replied, “I call on EFCC to go after tompolo the same way they go for E money and iyabo and so many others, no body is above the law, but in Nigeria some people is above the law.”
In defence of Tompolo, some argued that he neither sprayed the money nor incited anyone to do so.
“How is Tompolo mutilating the naira? From the video you posted, he’s dancing and never asked anyone to spray him money. Abi na Tompolo they spray the money or na my eye dey pain me?” Alonge Davidson Oluwaseun who tweets as # AD_Oluwaseun001 wrote on Sunday.
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