The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday arraigned popular Benin City socialite, Kelly Okungbowa, also known as Ebo Stone, before Justice C. A. Obiozor of the Federal High Court sitting in Benin City. He faces a two-count charge of alleged abuse and mutilation of the Nigerian currency.
According to the EFCC, Okungbowa is accused of spraying and trampling on a total sum of N300,000 during social events at two separate locations in Benin City, contrary to Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2007.
In the first count, the defendant allegedly sprayed N200,000 in N500 denominations while dancing with a woman identified as “Mummy Shallipopi” at Uyi Grand Marquee Event Centre in November 2024.
The second count accuses him of spraying N100,000 in N200 denominations during a party at his own lounge on Ihama Road on March 9, 2025.
Okungbowa pleaded not guilty to both charges. Prosecution counsel, Francis Jirbo, requested a trial date, while defence counsel, C. B. Ogiegbaen, informed the court of a pending bail application.
The court briefly stood down the matter before reconvening later in the afternoon. Due to time constraints, the judge adjourned the case to Tuesday, May 27, 2025, for hearing on the bail application. The defendant was released to his lawyer, who provided a written undertaking to ensure his presence in court.
