Update: EFCC Invites Okoya’s Sons Over Naira Abuse After Arresting Police Officer

EFCC, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has invited Wahab and Raheem Okoya, sons of billionaire businessman, Chief Razaq Okoya, for questioning over alleged naira abuse.

Raheem and Wahab are expected to report to the commission’s Lagos office for questioning on Monday.

The brothers sparked widespread criticism after a viral video of Subomi and his brother Wahab were seen spraying naira notes, while a police officer held stacks of the currency, a violation of Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.

In the video, the duo, dressed in white agbadas, danced while a mobile policeman held stacks of crisp naira notes, which they flung into the air.

The act, perceived by many as disregard for the law, drew condemnation on social media, with some Nigerians expressing doubts about accountability due to their father’s influential status.

Police authorities, on Friday, said that they had identified and detained the policeman captured in the video.

The NPF disclosed this on its official X handle, stating, “The policeman captured in the recent viral video shared by the sons of the Lagos businessman, Chief Okoya, where they were abusing the naira, has been identified and detained for disciplinary action.”

The NPF condemned the officer’s actions, calling them unethical and contrary to the values of the police force.

“The involvement of the policeman has been condemned, as it’s unethical. We will always strive hard to uphold the sanctity, credibility, and core values of the police,” the statement read.

In an update on Saturday, an invite signed by the Acting Director of the Lagos Directorate of the EFCC, Michael Wetkas, the Okoya brothers were directed to report to the Head, Special Operations Team, at the 15A Awolowo Road Office of the commission by 10 am on Monday, January 13, 2025.

Confirming the report, EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, said, “Yes, they have been invited.”

Also, in another update, one of Okoya’s sons, Raheem issued a public apology via his X account, stating, “To the Nigerian people, my actions were not intended to cause any trouble or harm.

My intentions were pure and naive.

I ask for your forgiveness and support as I had no intention of raising such an alarm. I wasn’t fully aware of the consequences of my action.”

Recall that in 2024, the EFCC intensified its crackdown on similar offenses, leading to arrests and prosecutions of celebrities, including social media figures Bobrisky and Cubana Chief Priest, for defacing and abusing naira notes in public displays.

The case involving the Okoya brothers is the latest in a series of high-profile incidents as authorities emphasize equal application of the law and the preservation of the naira’s integrity.