EFCC Targets Ex-Militant Tompolo Over Viral Naira Abuse Video
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced plans to question former Niger Delta militant leader, Oweizidei Thomas Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, following the emergence of a viral video allegedly showing him mishandling the Nigerian currency, the naira.
In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the EFCC shared a photo of Tompolo with the caption: "Nobody is above the law." The commission added, "Tompolo will have questions to answer," signaling its intent to investigate the incident.
Tompolo, a former commander of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), has been a prominent figure in the Niger Delta region. He accepted the federal government's amnesty offer in 2009 and has since been involved in various regional security and development initiatives.
The EFCC's focus on Tompolo comes amid a broader crackdown on the abuse and mutilation of the naira, particularly the practice of "spraying" money at social events—a common but illegal act in Nigeria.
In recent times, several Nigerian celebrities have faced legal consequences for similar offenses:
Bobrisky: Born Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, the social media personality was sentenced to six months in prison without the option of a fine in April 2024 for spraying naira notes at a film premiere.
Portable: Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, known by his stage name Portable, was declared wanted by the Ogun State Police Command in February 2025 and later surrendered to authorities. While his arrest was related to assault allegations, he has also been associated with controversies surrounding naira abuse.
Cubana Chief Priest: Pascal Okechukwu, a well-known socialite, was arrested by the EFCC in April 2022 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. While specific charges were not disclosed, his arrest was part of the commission's broader efforts to curb financial crimes.
The EFCC's recent actions underscore its commitment to enforcing laws against currency abuse, regardless of an individual's status or influence. As investigations proceed, the commission has reiterated that no one is exempt from legal scrutiny.
Tompolo has yet to issue a public statement regarding the EFCC's announcement.
Read More
In a political shake-up that ends nearly three decades of dominance by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), signaling a major power realignment in the oil-rich South-South region. The announcement came on Wednesday after a high-level meeting at the Government House in Asaba, where key political...
A wave of TikTok videos from China is shaking up the image of European luxury fashion, and it’s not just about fake bags or knockoff sneakers. Chinese manufacturers are coming forward—some seemingly encouraged by their own government—and pulling back the curtain on an uncomfortable truth: the same factories churning out “Made in Italy” luxury goods are often right...
Let’s cut the fluff and get honest. Modern dating is no longer a fairy tale. It’s a marketplace—where age, choices, and personal history influence value, especially for women and men playing by different biological clocks. While men often gain value with time, women are pressured to preserve it. This isn’t a jab—it’s reality. And in this age of curated...
Ah, Nigerian relationships—where love, commitment, and mutual respect thrive! At least, that’s what the ideal version looks like. But for some Nigerian girls, dating is less about companionship and more about sponsorship. Their idea of a relationship isn’t built on love, trust, or shared dreams. It’s strictly a business transaction where the man funds the lifestyle while...
The U.S. Appeals Court just threw TikTok a major curveball: ByteDance, its parent company, must sell the app or face a total ban nationwide. While the ruling doesn’t outright ban TikTok, it’s a serious blow. Without a sale, app stores like Apple’s App Store and Google Play would be forced to pull TikTok off their shelves. But hold your #ForYou tears—this isn’t game...
