The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has summoned Subomi and Wahab Okoya, sons of billionaire industrialist Razaq Okoya, over alleged naira abuse.
The brothers were directed to appear at the EFCC Lagos office on Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, by 10 a.m. on Monday, January 13, 2025, reports Saturday Vanguard.
This development follows a viral video showing the Okoya brothers spraying naira notes while a police officer held wads of cash in what appeared to be a promotional activity for a new song.
The EFCC, in an invitation signed by Michael Wetkas, Acting Director of the Lagos Directorate, said the invitation was part of 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 video has also drawn the attention of the Nigeria Police Force, which identified and detained the officer seen in the clip.
Muyiwa Adejobi, the Force spokesperson, confirmed that the officer’s actions were unethical and that he would face disciplinary measures as part of the police’s efforts to uphold professionalism and integrity.
Public outrage over the incident has reignited calls for stricter enforcement of naira abuse laws, particularly against high-profile 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, yesterday, 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.
