The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced that former Niger Delta militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo—widely known as Tompolo—will be summoned for questioning over alleged abuse of the naira.
The agency made this known in a post on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, emphasizing that the law applies to everyone equally.
“No one is above the law. Tompolo will be invited for questioning!” the EFCC posted, along with an image that appeared to depict the alleged currency abuse.
The issue gained attention after a video was shared on X.com on Sunday by user Harrison A (handle: #harreceipts). The caption read, “EFCC, see Tompolo and the Naira o,” sparking widespread online reactions.
The video, said to be from Tompolo’s 54th birthday celebration in April, shows him dancing as someone sprays ₦1,000 notes in front of him—a practice considered illegal under Nigerian law.
The footage quickly fueled criticism and accusations of bias against the EFCC, with many users questioning the agency’s consistency in enforcing currency laws.
One user, Najeeb Bello (#NejeebBello), remarked, “When it involves their allies, the EFCC suddenly turns a blind eye. What about the sons of Folawiyo Eleganza who filmed themselves spraying money?”
Another user, tweeting as #OurFavOnlineDoc, wrote: “This is Tompolo defacing the naira. I know your eagle eyes will go blind now, but I’m highlighting this publicly so everyone sees your selective enforcement.”
Meek Raphael (#MeekRapheal) added: “Okoya’s son is still moving freely, and you expect action on Tompolo? Laws in Nigeria only seem to apply when the accused isn’t from the elite. None of our agencies truly serve the common people.”
The EFCC has previously acted on similar violations. Lagos socialite Emeka Okonkwo, also known as E-Money, was once arrested for allegedly spraying U.S. dollars and mishandling the naira.
Just last week, the agency also invited actress Iyabo Ojo and comedian Ayo Makun for questioning in connection with currency abuse allegations.
