The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has stated that former Niger Delta militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, “will have questions to answer,” as calls for his arrest intensify following a viral video showing an apparent violation of Nigeria’s naira abuse laws.
The statement, posted via the Commission’s official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, reads: “Nobody is above the law. Tompolo will have questions to answer!” The remark marks the EFCC’s first public response since the controversial video sparked widespread backlash.
The storm began after a video surfaced showing Tompolo dancing during his 54th birthday celebration in April 2025 while being sprayed with bundles of ₦1,000 notes—an act prohibited under Section 21 of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act.
The video, widely shared on social media, was reposted on Sunday by activist Harrison Gwamnishu, who tagged the EFCC with the caption: “EFCC, see Tompolo and the Naira o.” The footage quickly went viral, igniting outrage among Nigerians who accused the anti-graft agency of selective enforcement of the law.
Social media users compared the incident with the recent swift arrests or invitations of celebrities like Bobrisky, E-Money, and Iyabo Ojo for similar naira abuse infractions, questioning why no action had been taken against Tompolo.
“EFCC is quick when it’s Bobrisky or E-Money. But when it’s their Oga’s friend, everyone suddenly goes quiet,” wrote an X user identified as @NejeebBello.
While some Nigerians insisted that Tompolo should be arrested to preserve the credibility of the EFCC, others argued that he was only being sprayed—not the one spraying money—and therefore should not be held liable.
Nonetheless, legal analysts have pointed out that the CBN Act criminalizes all forms of naira abuse at social events, including spraying or trampling on the currency, whether actively or passively involved.
The EFCC’s response, though brief, appears to confirm that the issue is under scrutiny. However, it remains unclear whether formal investigations or charges will follow.
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