The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed plans to invite former Niger Delta militant leader and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, over alleged abuse of the naira during his recent birthday celebration.
A viral video from the event, which circulated widely on social media, showed Tompolo being sprayed with ₦1,000 notes an act the EFCC described as a violation of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, which prohibits the abuse, defacing, or mutilation of the nation’s currency.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, while responding to inquiries on the development, said the Commission was aware of the incident and would take appropriate action. “Certainly, Tompolo will be invited for questioning. No one is above the law,” Oyewale stated.
This development was coming amid the Commission’s intensified clampdown on the abuse of the naira, particularly by celebrities and high-profile individuals.
In recent weeks, music executive Emeka Okonkwo, popularly known as E-Money, and entertainers including Iyabo Ojo and Ayo ‘AY’ Makun have also been questioned by the anti-graft agency over similar incidents.
The EFCC has reiterated its commitment to upholding the sanctity of the naira and has urged Nigerians to respect the laws governing its handling, warning that violations will attract legal consequences regardless of status or social influence.
Tompolo, a prominent figure in the Niger Delta and a key player in oil pipeline surveillance contracts, is yet to publicly respond to the EFCC’s stance.
