The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Kelly Okungbowa, also known as Ebo Stone, before the Federal High Court in Benin City on charges of naira abuse and mutilation.

Okungbowa, the suspended head of the Edo State Public Safety Response Team (PSRT), appeared before Justice C.A. Obiozor on Monday, May 26, 2025, facing a two-count charge related to spraying and trampling on naira notes at public events.

According to the charges presented by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, Okungbowa allegedly sprayed a total of N300,000 on two separate occasions while dancing with women at recreational centers in Benin City.

The first count alleges that in November 2024, at Uyi Grand Marquee Event Centre, Okungbowa tampered with N200,000 in N500 denomination notes while dancing with 'Mummy Shallipopi.' The second count states that on March 9, 2025, at his own lounge/bar on Ihama Road, he sprayed N100,000 in N200 denomination notes while dancing with young ladies.

Both actions allegedly violate Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (Establishment) Act 2007 and are punishable under Section 21(1) of the same Act.

Okungbowa pleaded not guilty to the charges. Following his plea, prosecution counsel Francis Jirbo requested a trial date, while defense counsel C.B. Ogiegbaen informed the court of a pending bail application for the defendant.

Justice Obiozor adjourned the case to Tuesday, May 27, 2025, for consideration of the bail application. The defendant was released to his lawyer upon a written undertaking to produce him in court on the adjourned date.

It should be recalled that Governor Monday Okpebholo had suspended Okungbowa and the activities of the PSRT on March 14, 2025, following numerous complaints of extortion, harassment, and unruly behavior by members of the team. The suspension also came after the tragic killing of a two-year-old girl during an alleged confrontation between PSRT officials and a commercial driver at Oba Ovoranmwen Square.