The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has granted bail to popular socialite Emeka Okonkwo, widely known as E-Money.
A source within the commission, who requested anonymity, informed our judiciary correspondent, Shola Soyele, via phone that E-Money was released on Tuesday and would soon face charges in court.
E-Money had been apprehended on Tuesday over allegations of naira abuse.
Channels Television gathered that he was arrested by the anti-graft agency in the Omole area of Lagos State.
Following his arrest, he was transported to the EFCC’s custody in Abuja.
Reports indicate that he was seen at a public event allegedly spraying naira notes and some US dollar bills, an act said to violate Nigeria’s Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act.
Recently, the EFCC has intensified efforts against individuals abusing the national currency.
A few days ago, singer Terry Apala was also remanded over alleged misuse of the country’s currency.
In a related development, the EFCC has apprehended another socialite, Aisha Achimugu. She was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
Achimugu was detained around 5 a.m. on Tuesday shortly after arriving from London.
The anti-graft agency had previously declared her wanted in March over allegations of criminal conspiracy and money laundering.
Achimugu’s lawyer, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), confirmed her arrest, stating, “Aisha Achimugu, who arrived voluntarily into the country from London, was arrested by the EFCC around 5 a.m. on Tuesday.”
Ojukwu criticized the EFCC’s actions, describing them as a violation of a court order.
“In light of what transpired in court on Monday, my client returned based on the undertaking before the court to honour the EFCC’s invitation but was arrested at the airport,” Ojukwu said.
He revealed that Achimugu had begun a hunger strike to protest what he described as a breach of her fundamental rights.
“She is a prisoner of conscience,” the lawyer said.
Her arrest followed a ruling by Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, ordering her to present herself before the EFCC and the court.