EFCC Invites Two Nigerians Over Spraying of Naira Notes

By Osaro Michael, Benin

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has invited Subomi and Wahab, the sons of Razaq Okoya, the billionaire industrialist, for interrogation over alleged abuse of the naira.

According to the invite signed by Michael Wetkas, acting director of the Lagos directorate of the EFCC, the anti-graft agency directed the two brothers to report to the head, special operations team at the 15A Awolowo Road office of the commission by 10am on Monday, January 13, 2025.

Recall, the social media have been awash over the Okoya brothers who were seen “abusing the naira” in a promotional video for a new song.

However, the duo are criticised for allegedly misusing the naira, and undermining the image and sanctity of the national currency.

The video which featured a police officer holding wads of N1,000 notes as the boys encircled to a tune further attracted outrageous comments on social media.

It would be recalled that on January 10, Muyiwa Adejobi, Spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), announced that the officer seen in the video had been arrested and detained.

He said the officer’s actions were unethical, adding that he would face disciplinary action.

“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,” Adejobi wrote on X.

“The involvement of the policeman has been condemned, as it is unethical. We will always strive hard to uphold the sanctity, credibility, and core values of the police.”

In 2024, the EFCC ramped up its enforcement of Naira abuse by celebrities, citing Section 21 of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act.

On April 4, Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky, the social media celebrity, was arrested by the commission in Lagos for defacing naira notes.

The crossdresser was arraigned on a six-count charge by the EFCC.

On April 16, the EFCC filed a three-count charge against Cubana Chief Priest, the socialite and social media influencer, over alleged naira abuse.

As the investigation unfolds, the Okoya brothers are expected to appear before the anti draft agency to clarify their involvement in the controversial video, which had generated significant public debate.