Nigerian comic actor OkonLagos has expressed his views on the recent arrest of socialite Emeka Okonkwo, popularly known as E-Money, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
E-Money was apprehended on April 28, 2025, at his residence in Omole, Lagos, following an incident where he allegedly sprayed U.S. dollars at a social event, an act considered a violation of Nigeria’s currency abuse regulations.In response to the arrest, OkonLagos took to social media to question the EFCC's focus on such incidents. He pointed out that while the EFCC is targeting individuals for currency abuse, there are numerous high-profile cases of corruption and financial misconduct involving public officials that remain unaddressed. OkonLagos emphasized the need for the EFCC to prioritize investigations into significant financial crimes that have a more substantial impact on the nation's economy and the welfare of its citizens.
His comments reflect a broader public sentiment that has been critical of the EFCC's approach to prosecuting currency abuse cases, with some arguing that the agency should concentrate its efforts on more severe economic offenses. For instance, in April 2024, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, the Oluwo of Iwoland, advised the EFCC to focus on public education about currency handling rather than pursuing legal actions against individuals for cultural practices like spraying naira notes at celebrations.
The EFCC has stated that it will continue to investigate and prosecute individuals involved in currency abuse, including celebrities, to uphold the sanctity of the national currency. However, the agency's actions have sparked ongoing debates about the balance between enforcing financial regulations and addressing more pressing economic challenges.
