The EFCC has arrested Kelly Okungbowa, ex-Edo PSRT coordinator, over alleged naira abuse after a viral video showed him spraying money at a bar. His arrest has sparked debate on selective prosecution, with critics questioning EFCC’s focus on naira misuse while high-profile offenders remain untouched.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Kelly Okungbowa, popularly known as Ebo Stone, over alleged naira abuse. The former coordinator of the Edo State Public Safety Response Team (PSRT) was taken into custody by the anti-graft agency’s Benin Zonal Directorate on March 17, 2025.
His arrest follows a viral video showing him spraying and mutilating naira notes at a bar on March 9, an act considered illegal under Nigeria’s currency laws. The EFCC confirmed that Okungbowa is under investigation and will be charged in court upon completion of the probe.
The incident has sparked heated reactions on social media, with many questioning why only select individuals face prosecution while others engage in similar acts without consequence. Critics pointed to past cases involving high-profile figures, suggesting a pattern of selective enforcement by the EFCC.
Some users on social media referenced wealthy Nigerians, including the Okoya family, who have been seen engaging in similar activities without facing legal action. Others mocked the EFCC’s focus on currency abuse while major financial crimes often go unchecked.
The EFCC has intensified its crackdown on naira abuse, enforcing strict measures to protect the national currency. Despite the criticism, the agency insists that all offenders will face justice, regardless of status.
As the investigation continues, legal analysts suggest that Okungbowa could face fines or imprisonment if convicted under the Central Bank of Nigeria’s anti-naira abuse regulations.
