Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested Kelly Okungbowa, also known as Ebo Stone, over alleged abuse of the naira.
Okungbowa, who until recently served as the coordinator of the Edo State Public Safety Response Team (PSRT), was arrested on Monday, March 17, 2025. His arrest follows a viral video that surfaced online, showing him spraying and mutilating the naira at a bar on March 9, 2025.
The EFCC stated that Okungbowa’s actions constitute a violation of Nigeria’s laws prohibiting the abuse of the national currency. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act forbids any form of defacement, mutilation, or spraying of the naira, considering such acts as criminal offenses punishable by fines or imprisonment.
Following the release of the video, the Edo State Government promptly suspended Okungbowa from his role as the coordinator of the PSRT, pending further investigations. Sources within the EFCC confirmed that he was invited for questioning before being taken into custody.
“The EFCC remains committed to upholding the integrity of the Nigerian currency and will not hesitate to prosecute anyone found guilty of abusing the naira,” a spokesperson for the commission stated.
The commission also warned members of the public to refrain from actions that could undermine the value and dignity of the naira, stressing that offenders would face legal consequences.
Okungbowa is currently being held at the EFCC’s Benin Zonal Office, where he is assisting with ongoing investigations. He is expected to be charged in court as soon as the investigation is concluded.
