The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it will take action against Chief Government Ekpemupolo, better known as Tompolo, over an allegation of naira abuse.
Tompolo was spotted in a viral video, reportedly during his 54th birthday celebration in April, dancing as a man sprayed ₦1,000 notes before him.
The footage drew widespread criticism and renewed calls for the EFCC to investigate the matter.
Responding to the public outcry, the anti-graft agency said the Niger Delta chieftain will have questions to answer over the viral video.
“Nobody is above the law. Tompolo will have questions to answer!” the EFCC stated in a post shared via its official social media handles on Monday.
In the clip, Tompolo, dressed in white and red attire, is seen dancing while a man repeatedly throws ₦1,000 notes into the air — a practice outlawed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
According to Section 21(3) of the 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… and shall be punishable under the law by fines, imprisonment, or both.”
The EFCC has increasingly relied on this provision to prosecute individuals who spray or mishandle the national currency at social events, and previously cautioned that enforcement of the law is non-discriminatory.
Tompolo’s video resurfaced just weeks after a series of crackdowns on celebrities and public figures accused of naira abuse.
In January, sons of billionaire businessman Chief Razaq Okoya — Wahab and Raheem Okoya — were reportedly invited by the EFCC for spraying money in a promotional video for a music project.
However, some Nigerians have accused the EFCC of selective prosecution. Critics argue that enforcement is more aggressive against individuals without political or financial influence.
In 2024, socialite Idris Okuneye, alias Bobrisky, was sentenced to six months in prison without the option of a fine for similar offences. Musician Terry Apala was also remanded by a Lagos court after being arraigned for allegedly spraying and mutilating naira notes.
Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo confirmed last week that she was contacted by the EFCC while abroad and honoured the invitation upon returning to Nigeria. She faced questioning over activities during her daughter’s high-profile wedding celebration, where currency spraying allegedly took place.
Comedian Ayo Makun (AY) was also questioned in connection with the same event. Both AY and Ojo have since pledged to support EFCC’s efforts in educating the public on the legal implications of naira abuse.
Other high-profile individuals recently targeted include TikTok influencer Murja Kunya and nightlife promoter Pascal Okechukwu, better known as Cubana Chief Priest, who reportedly settled with the EFCC for ₦10 million.
Socialite Emeka Okonkwo (E-Money) also faced questioning for spraying both naira and U.S. dollars at a public event.
