The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has summoned Subomi and Wahab Okoya, sons of billionaire industrialist Razaq Okoya and wife Shade, for questioning over alleged naira abuse.
In an invitation signed by Michael Wetkas, the acting director of the Lagos directorate of the EFCC, the brothers have been directed to appear at the commission’s office at 15A Awolowo Road, Lagos, on Monday, January 13 by 10:00 am.
The EFCC’s interest in the Okoya brothers stems from a promotional video for a new song, where they were seen with wads of naira notes some of which they threw in the air.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has detained an officer featured in the viral video.
In a statement on Friday, police spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi condemned the officer’s action, describing it as unethical and against the values of the force.
“The policeman captured in the recent viral video shared by the sons of the Lagos businessman, Chief Okoya, where they were abusing the naira, has been identified and detained for disciplinary action,” Adejobi said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
“The involvement of the policeman has been condemned, as it’s unethical. We will always strive hard to uphold the sanctity, credibility, and core values of the police,” he added.
The incident has reignited concerns over the abuse of Nigeria’s currency and the involvement of law enforcement officers in private activities.
The EFCC has been increasingly strict on naira abuse, citing Section 21 of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act. High-profile arrests in 2024 included social media celebrities Bobrisky and Cubana Chief Priest, both of whom faced charges for abusing the naira in separate incidents.
In his response to the backlash, Subomi Okoya, also known as Sirheem, issued an apology via X, describing his actions in the viral video as naive and unintentional.
“To the Nigerian people, my actions were not to cause any trouble or harm. My intentions were pure and naive,” he wrote. “I ask for your forgiveness and support in this situation as I had no intention to raise such an alarm. I wasn’t fully aware of the consequences of my action.”
