“Gov Okpebholo’s Aide Okungbowa Arrested by EFCC for Alleged Naira Abuse — Corruption Scandal Unfolds!”

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Kelly Okungbowa, the suspended coordinator of the Edo State Public Safety Response Team (PSRT), for alleged abuse of the Nigerian currency. Okungbowa, also known as “Ebo Stone,” was taken into custody by operatives from the EFCC’s Benin zonal office on March 17, 2025.

According to Dele Oyewale, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, the arrest followed a viral video that circulated online, showing Okungbowa spraying and mutilating naira notes at a bar on March 9, 2025. In the video, Okungbowa was reportedly seen throwing naira notes on two exotic dancers in a manner considered a violation of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act of 2007, which prohibits such conduct.

Oyewale confirmed the arrest in an official statement, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to upholding the law regarding the handling of Nigeria’s currency. “Operatives of the Benin zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, March 17, 2025, arrested Kelly Okungbowa (a.k.a. Ebo Stone) for alleged naira abuse. Okungbowa, who until recently was the coordinator of the Edo State Public Safety Response Team, PSRT, now suspended by the Edo State Government, was arrested owing to a viral video where he was seen spraying and mutilating the naira at a bar on March 9, 2025,” the statement read.

The EFCC noted that Okungbowa’s case is currently under investigation, and he will be charged to court once the inquiry is concluded. The agency reiterated its dedication to enforcing the laws regarding currency handling, stressing that violations will be met with appropriate legal consequences.

In response to the arrest, the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) commended the EFCC for its swift action. Chris Nehikhare, the Publicity Secretary of the party’s caretaker committee in the state, expressed approval of the arrest, describing it as a significant step toward ensuring accountability. He called on the EFCC to carry out a thorough investigation and ensure diligent prosecution in line with the provisions of the CBN Act of 2007.

“The Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, commends the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for the swift arrest of Kelly Okungbowa, also known as Ebo Stone, for alleged naira abuse,” Nehikhare stated. “The swift arrest of Okungbowa, who was seen in a viral video spraying and mutilating the naira, sends a strong message that such criminal and irresponsible actions will not be tolerated, regardless of the perpetrator’s position or influence. We charge the EFCC to carry out a thorough investigation on the matter and ensure diligent prosecution in accordance with the CBN Act of 2007, which criminalizes the abuse of naira notes, including spraying, stepping on, or mishandling.”

Okungbowa’s suspension from his role as coordinator of the PSRT had already been enforced by the Edo State Government over allegations of extortion, harassment, and misconduct. His arrest further compounds the controversies surrounding his tenure as a public official.

The CBN Act of 2007, which governs the use and handling of Nigeria’s currency, explicitly prohibits practices such as spraying, stepping on, or otherwise mishandling the naira. Violators of this law face potential prosecution and penalties, serving as a deterrent to those who may seek to undermine the integrity of the nation’s currency.

The EFCC’s decisive action against Okungbowa aligns with its broader mission to combat economic crimes and corruption. The arrest also serves as a warning to public officials and the general public that violations of currency regulations will not be overlooked, regardless of the individual’s status or influence.

The case has drawn significant public attention, with many Nigerians expressing mixed reactions to the arrest. While some commend the EFCC’s stance on enforcing currency laws, others question whether similar incidents involving influential figures will be handled with equal rigor.

As the investigation continues, the EFCC has reiterated its commitment to transparency and adherence to due process. The outcome of Okungbowa’s case is expected to set a precedent for the enforcement of currency regulations in Nigeria.