The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has summoned Subomi and Wahab Okoya, sons of billionaire industrialist Razaq Okoya, for questioning regarding alleged naira abuse.
In a letter signed by Michael Wetkas, acting director of the EFCC’s Lagos directorate, the duo was directed to appear before the head of the special operations team at the commission’s 15A Awolowo Road office by 10 a.m. on Monday, January 13, 2025.
The investigation stems from a promotional video shared online, which showed the Okoya brothers encircling a police officer holding wads of N1,000 notes to the rhythm of a song. The video, which quickly went viral, sparked outrage on social media, with many accusing the brothers of disrespecting the national currency.
Reacting to the video, Muyiwa Adejobi, spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), confirmed on January 10 that the officer seen in the video had been arrested and detained for disciplinary action.
“The policeman captured in the viral video shared by the sons of Chief Okoya, where they were abusing the naira, has been identified and detained for disciplinary action,” Adejobi wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “The involvement of the policeman has been condemned as unethical. We will always strive to uphold the sanctity, credibility, and core values of the police.”
The EFCC has intensified its efforts to curb naira abuse, citing Section 21 of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act. In 2024, the anti-graft agency targeted celebrities who violated the law by defacing or abusing the national currency.
Social media celebrity Bobrisky was arrested in April 2024 and charged with defacing naira notes, while Cubana Chief Priest faced a three-count charge in the same month for a similar offense.
The EFCC’s actions underscore its commitment to protecting the integrity of the naira and sending a strong message against financial misconduct. Subomi and Wahab Okoya are expected to provide their statements during the interrogation on Monday.
