The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olanipekun Olukoyede, has called on Nigerians to refrain from rushing to judgment over the alleged abuse of the Naira by former militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.
A video that went viral on social media showed Tompolo being sprayed with N1,000 notes by an unidentified individual during his 54th birthday celebration. The footage triggered widespread public outrage, with many Nigerians demanding that the EFCC take swift action, as it had done in recent cases involving naira abuse.
In response, Olukoyede emphasised the importance of due process and confirmed that the agency is investigating the matter. He revealed that Tompolo has been invited and that the controversial video is currently undergoing forensic analysis to verify its authenticity.
“Nigerians should please don’t condemn Tompolo for a mere allegation,” Olukoyede said during a recent interview. “Let’s give him fair hearing. We have subjected the video to forensic analysis because these days people can superimpose such videos.”
He reiterated the commission’s commitment to fairness and the rule of law, saying, “We have invited Tompolo to Nigeria. The only Nigerians know that, and we said there is no one who’s above the law. Nobody should condemn Tompolo for their allegation. It is just a mere allegation for now.”
Olukoyede further stated, “You cannot say Tompolo’s guilty or not. We must give every Nigerian fair hearing.”
The development comes on the heels of the recent sentencing of Nigerian singer Babatunde Peter Olaitan, also known as Tee Dollar, and content creator Tobilola Olamide, popularly known as Tobi Nation, to six months in prison for naira abuse. The EFCC’s handling of Tompolo’s case will be closely watched as a test of the agency’s consistency in applying the law, regardless of status or background.
