The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has advised Nigerians against rushing to condemn Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, over allegations of naira abuse that recently went viral.
Speaking during an interview on TVC on Sunday, Olukoyede confirmed that Tompolo has been invited for questioning regarding the incident but emphasized that he should not be presumed guilty until investigations are concluded.
"We have invited Tompolo, the whole Nigerians know that, and we said there is no human that is above the law," Olukoyede stated. "Nobody should go and condemn Tompolo for the allegation. It's a mere allegation for now."
The controversy stems from a viral video of Tompolo's 54th birthday celebration, which showed him dancing while an individual lavishly sprayed N1,000 notes on him. The video sparked public outcry, with many Nigerians challenging the EFCC to arrest Tompolo to prove the commission is not selective in enforcing laws against naira abuse.
In a significant revelation, the EFCC chairman disclosed that the viral video has been subjected to forensic analysis, suggesting that the footage might have been doctored.
"We have subjected the video to forensic analysis because these days, people can impose... you know?" he added, implying the possibility of digital manipulation.
The EFCC has recently intensified its crackdown on naira abuse across the country, with several arrests made at various social events where individuals were caught spraying cash. This has led to public scrutiny of the commission's consistency in applying the law to high-profile individuals.
Tompolo, a former Niger Delta militant leader who has since become a government contractor, remains a powerful figure in the Niger Delta region. The outcome of this investigation will be closely watched as it tests the EFCC's commitment to equal application of the law regardless of status or influence.
