The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has summoned Subomi and Wahab Okoya, sons of billionaire industrialist Razaq Okoya, over allegations of naira abuse.
The brothers have been instructed to report to the EFCC Lagos office on Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, at 10 a.m. on Monday, January 13, 2025.
This follows the circulation of a viral video showing the Okoya brothers spraying naira notes, while a police officer was seen holding bundles of cash during what appeared to be a promotional event for a new song.
In a letter signed by Michael Wetkas, Acting Director of the Lagos Directorate, the EFCC stated that the summons aligns with its commitment to enforcing Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, 2007, which prohibits the abuse of the national currency.
The Nigeria Police Force has also taken action, detaining the officer seen in the video. Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi confirmed that the officer’s behavior was unprofessional and that disciplinary measures are underway to uphold police standards of integrity.
The incident has sparked public outrage, renewing calls for stricter enforcement of naira abuse laws, particularly against prominent individuals.
In 2024, the EFCC intensified its crackdown on similar offenses, leading to arrests and prosecutions of celebrities, including social media figures Bobrisky and Cubana Chief Priest, for defacing and abusing naira notes in public displays.
The case involving the Okoya brothers is the latest in a series of high-profile incidents as authorities emphasize equal application of the law and the preservation of the naira’s integrity.
The background
In a viral video, Subomi and his brother Wahab were seen spraying naira notes, while a police officer held stacks of the currency, a violation of Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.
Police authorities, on Friday, said that it had identified and detained the policeman captured in the video.
The NPF disclosed this on its official X handle, stating, “The policeman captured in the recent viral video shared by the sons of the Lagos businessman, Chief Okoya, where they were abusing the naira, has been identified and detained for disciplinary action.”
The NPF condemned the officer’s actions, calling them unethical and contrary to the values of the police force. “The involvement of the policeman has been condemned, as it’s unethical. We will always strive hard to uphold the sanctity, credibility, and core values of the police,” the statement read.
However, several X users demanded that Okoya’s sons should also be detained.
Recall that in 2024, popular socialite and cross-dresser Okuneye Idris, popularly known as Bobrisky, was imprisoned for a similar offence.