A viral video circulating on social media has ignited public outrage in Nigeria, with citizens calling for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest former Niger Delta militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, over allegations of naira abuse.
The video depicts Tompolo at a public event, where he is seen spraying and stepping on naira notes, actions that have been widely condemned as disrespectful to the nation's currency. The EFCC has previously taken action against individuals involved in similar acts; for instance, in 2023, the commission arrested a TikTok user for spraying and stepping on naira notes in Kaduna .
The public's demand for Tompolo's arrest is compounded by the EFCC's recent scrutiny over large-scale financial misconduct. The commission is investigating the allocation of at least $347 billion to various companies in Nigeria between January 2014 and June 2023, with some foreign firms operating within Nigeria also under investigation . Additionally, the EFCC has faced criticism for its perceived inaction in investigating a former governor of Delta State accused of embezzling N500 billion in state funds .
The EFCC's handling of these cases has led to calls for greater accountability and transparency in its operations. Civil society organizations have demanded the resignation of the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, citing the commission's failure to prosecute high-profile figures involved in alleged financial crimes .
As public pressure mounts, it remains to be seen how the EFCC will respond to the allegations against Tompolo and address concerns over its handling of significant financial misconduct cases.
