EFCC to grill Tompolo over naira abuse allegations

May 12, 2025

By Adedoja Adesoji

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has vowed to take action against Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, over allegations of naira abuse.

A viral video showed Tompolo dancing as a man sprayed ₦1,000 notes before him during his 54th birthday celebration in April.

The footage sparked widespread criticism and calls for the EFCC to investigate. In response, the anti-graft agency stated that Tompolo will have to answer questions over the incident, emphasizing that “nobody is above the law.

“Tompolo will have questions to answer!” The agency tweeted.

In the video, Tompolo is seen dressed in white and red attire, dancing as the man repeatedly throws ₦1,000 notes into the air.

This practice is outlawed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under Section 21(3) of the CBN Act, 2007 (as amended), which states that “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 been actively prosecuting individuals who abuse the national currency at social events, warning that enforcement of the law is non-discriminatory.

The agency’s latest statement suggests that Tompolo will face scrutiny for his alleged involvement in the naira abuse incident.