The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared its intention to take action against former Niger Delta militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, following a viral video showing naira abuse at his birthday celebration.
The clip, posted on X on Sunday by one Harrison A., shows Tompolo dancing while a man sprays N1,000 notes on him.
The video, reportedly filmed during his 54th birthday party in April, sparked a heated online debate with Nigerians daring the EFCC to arrest him.
“EFCC, see Tompolo and the Naira o,” the post read, drawing wide reactions and accusations of selective prosecution by the anti-graft agency.
Amid the growing pressure, the EFCC responded on Monday on its official Instagram page, posting a screenshot of the video with the caption: “Nobody is above the law. Tompolo will have questions to answer!”
According to Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007 (as amended), “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,” a punishable offence under Nigerian law. The EFCC has repeatedly warned the public against such acts, labeling them criminal.
Nigerians online have continued to challenge the commission, with some mocking its integrity and questioning whether it would apply the law equally in Tompolo’s case.
The EFCC has recently cracked down on high-profile individuals for similar offences.
In April, crossdresser Idris ‘Bobrisky’ Okuneye was sentenced to six months in prison for naira abuse. Last month, businessman Emeka Okonkwo popularly known as E-Money was arrested for allegedly spraying US dollars and abusing the naira.
Others, including actress Iyabo Ojo and comedian Ayo Makun, were also questioned last week, while billionaire sons Wahab and Raheem Okoya were invited for interrogation in January over a music video showing naira spraying.
