EFCC Says Tompolo Has Questions to Answer Over Alleged Naira Abuse
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced that it will take action against Chief Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, on allegations of naira abuse.
Tompolo was seen in a viral video celebrating his 54th birthday in April, dancing while a man sprayed ₦1,000 notes in front of him.
The tape sparked significant condemnation and spurred requests for the EFCC to look into the case.
In response to the public outcry, the anti-graft agency stated that the Niger Delta chieftain will have to answer questions about the viral video.
“Nobody is above the law,” Tompolo would have to face enquiries, according to an EFCC message released on Monday via its official social media handles.
In the video, Tompolo, clad in white and red, dances while a man throws 1,000 notes into the air, a behaviour prohibited by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
According to Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007 (as updated), “Spraying, dancing, or walking on the naira or any bank note during celebrations or in any other way is considered disrespectful and damaging to the naira… and can lead to fines, jail time, or both.”
The EFCC has increasingly leaned on this legislation to prosecute those who spray or mishandle national cash at social events, despite past warnings that law enforcement is non-discriminatory.
Tompolo’s video reappeared just weeks after a slew of crackdowns on celebrities and public people suspected of alleged abuse.
In January, the EFCC reportedly invited the two sons of billionaire businessman Chief Razaq Okoya—Wahab and Raheem Okoya—to spray money in a promotional film for a music project.
However, several Nigerians accuse the EFCC of selective prosecution. Critics believe that enforcement is more aggressive against individuals who lack political or financial power.
In 2024, a Lagos court sentenced socialite Idris Okuneye, commonly known as Bobrisky, to six months in prison without the possibility of being fined for identical acts. A Lagos court also remanded musician Terry Apala after his arraignment for allegedly spraying and mutilating naira notes.
The EFCC approached Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo last week while she was abroad, and she accepted the invitation upon her return to Nigeria. She was questioned about her daughter’s high-profile wedding event, which allegedly included cash splashing.
The same incident also led to an investigation into comedian Ayo Makun (AY). Both AY and Ojo have now committed to support the EFCC’s efforts to educate the public about the legal consequences of naira abuse.
Recently targeted people include TikTok celebrity Murja Kunya and nightlife entrepreneur Pascal Okechukwu, also known as Cubana Chief Priest, who reportedly settled with the EFCC for ₦10 million.
Emeka Okonkwo (E-Money), a socialite, was also questioned for showering naira and US dollars at a public gathering.