EFCC vows to arrest Tompolo over viral naira spraying video

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reacted to widespread public outcry following a viral video showing former Niger Delta militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, spraying wads of Naira notes at a recent social event in the region.

The video, which surfaced on social media on Sunday, drew significant backlash from Nigerians, with many demanding the immediate arrest and prosecution of the ex-militant leader in line with existing laws prohibiting the abuse of the nation’s currency.

In response to the viral footage and growing public criticism, the EFCC on Monday confirmed that Tompolo would be held accountable for his actions, stating categorically that “nobody is above the law.”

The anti-graft agency made this known in a post on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, writing: “Nobody is above the law. Tompolo will have questions to answer!”

According to Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) 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 or such note and shall be punishable under the law by fines or imprisonment or both.”

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The EFCC has repeatedly issued warnings against the defacing and spraying of Naira notes, emphasizing that such actions constitute criminal offences under Nigerian law.

Over the past year, the Commission has ramped up enforcement, arresting and prosecuting several high-profile individuals for similar offences.

Notably, popular cross-dresser Idris Olarewaju Okuneye, better known as Bobrisky, was arrested and sentenced to six months imprisonment in April 2024 for abusing the Naira. Just last week, popular Lagos socialite Emeka Okonkwo Daniel, widely known as E-Money, was also arrested by the EFCC for allegedly spraying foreign currency—specifically U.S. dollars—at a public function.

Other celebrities such as Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo and comedian Ayo Makun (AY) were also recently questioned by the Commission for alleged currency abuse.

As the video involving Tompolo continues to spark nationwide reactions, the EFCC’s statement has reassured Nigerians that the agency remains committed to upholding the rule of law, regardless of an individual’s status or background.

The public now awaits the next steps from the EFCC as calls intensify for the equal application of the law.