KEY POINTS

• The EFCC has announced it will question Tompolo after a viral video showed him dancing while ₦1,000 notes were sprayed at his birthday celebration, allegedly violating currency abuse laws.

• Tompolo joins a growing list of celebrities and public figures investigated for defacing the naira, as the EFCC intensifies enforcement of Section 21(3) of the CBN Act.

• While some Nigerians support the crackdown, critics argue that enforcement must be equitable and not limited to those without political influence.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced its intention to question Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, following the circulation of a viral video allegedly showing him at the center of a case of naira abuse.

The video, which has sparked widespread debate and renewed scrutiny of high-profile figures, reportedly captured moments from Tompolo’s 54th birthday celebration held in April 2025.

In the video, the former militant leader is seen dancing while a man throws several ₦1,000 notes into the air in his direction — a practice commonly known as “spraying,” and one that is explicitly prohibited under Nigerian law.

The EFCC responded swiftly to public outcry over the footage, posting a message on its official social media channels: “Nobody is above the law. Tompolo will have questions to answer!”

Tompolo joins growing list of celebrities targeted in EFCC’s naira abuse crackdown

Under 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… and shall be punishable under the law by fines, imprisonment, or both.” The EFCC has in recent years leaned heavily on this provision to crack down on public misuse of currency at weddings, parties, and concerts.

Channelstv reports that Tompolo’s case follows a series of high-profile arrests and prosecutions targeting musicians, influencers, socialites, and business magnates accused of naira abuse.

These include the widely publicized sentencing of controversial internet personality Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, who in 2024 received six months in prison without the option of a fine for defacing the naira.

In addition, well-known musician Terry Apala was remanded in custody pending trial, while Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo recently confirmed she was interrogated over activities at her daughter’s luxurious wedding, where money spraying allegedly took place. Ojo stated that she has since pledged to support public sensitization campaigns alongside comedian Ayo Makun (AY), who was also questioned in connection with the same event.

The EFCC has consistently reiterated that enforcement of the law applies to everyone, regardless of status. “There will be no sacred cows,” an EFCC official said during an earlier press briefing in April, emphasizing the agency’s growing reliance on digital surveillance and user-submitted video content to detect offences.

While Tompolo has not yet publicly commented on the matter, the EFCC’s declaration indicates that formal summons or further legal action may follow shortly. The video has continued to circulate online, prompting both support and criticism. While some Nigerians applaud the EFCC’s consistency, others argue that the agency’s focus on cash spraying incidents may distract from more systemic forms of corruption.

In January, Wahab and Raheem Okoya, sons of billionaire Chief Razaq Okoya, were reportedly invited by the EFCC for spraying money in a music video. Similarly, nightlife promoter Cubana Chief Priest, TikTok influencer Murja Kunya, and business mogul Emeka Okonkwo (popularly known as E-Money) have all recently come under EFCC scrutiny for alleged naira abuse, with some reportedly opting for out-of-court settlements involving fines.

Legal analysts note that the rise of social media has both aided enforcement and complicated public perception. “Viral content now serves as both evidence and catalyst,” said legal commentator Uche Nwokedi. “But enforcement must be consistent, transparent, and proportionate to avoid accusations of targeting the popular while sparing the powerful.”

The EFCC has promised continued engagement with communities and entertainment figures to educate the public about the implications of currency abuse, warning that more arrests are likely if violations persist.