Tompolo faces EFCC heat over naira abuse claims

DDM News

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has officially invited former Niger Delta militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, over allegations of financial misconduct and abuse of the naira.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that this move follows the circulation of a viral video that sparked national outrage and accusations of selective enforcement of the law.

Reliable sources within the EFCC confirmed that a letter of invitation was delivered to Tompolo earlier in the week.

Officials within the Commission stressed that the letter was not an arrest warrant but a formal request for Tompolo to appear for questioning.

An EFCC source stated, “An invitation letter has been sent to Tompolo. We expect his cooperation. It is part of our due process.”

The EFCC’s invitation followed the emergence of a video reportedly recorded during a birthday celebration in April 2025.

In the video, Tompolo is seen dancing while bundles of ₦1,000 notes are sprayed on him in celebration.

The act of spraying money in public is prohibited under Nigerian law and has been classified as a form of currency abuse.

The video quickly went viral across social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), drawing intense criticism from Nigerians.

Many users accused the EFCC of double standards in its enforcement practices.

They cited previous cases where celebrities such as Bobrisky, E-Money, Iyabo Ojo, and comedian AY were questioned or prosecuted for similar violations.

Public outrage intensified as many believed Tompolo’s influence and government connections had shielded him from legal scrutiny.

Amid the growing uproar, the EFCC issued a statement to address the controversy.

In the statement released on Monday, the Commission declared, “Nobody is above the law. Tompolo will have questions to answer.”

Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act of 2007 criminalizes the spraying, dancing on, or mutilation of naira notes during social functions.

Violators of this law risk facing fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the gravity of the offence.

The EFCC’s decision to invite Tompolo has been interpreted by legal analysts as a step to reassert the Commission’s neutrality and authority.

Public confidence in the agency has recently declined due to perceived inconsistency in its enforcement actions.

Though the EFCC’s statement focused on naira abuse, internal sources suggested that Tompolo may also face investigation for undisclosed financial irregularities.

Full details of the financial misconduct allegations remain classified at this stage.

Tompolo’s background adds further complexity to the controversy.

He was a leading figure in the Niger Delta militancy movement during the 2000s.

As the commander of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Tompolo led attacks on oil installations and demanded greater control of oil resources for the region.

In 2009, under the administration of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, the Federal Government initiated the Presidential Amnesty Programme to end hostilities in the Niger Delta.

Tompolo accepted the amnesty and transitioned from militant leader to political influencer and businessman.

Today, Tompolo holds a multi-billion naira federal contract to protect oil pipelines in the Niger Delta region.

His appointment to such a strategic national role has been heavily criticized by civil society organizations and transparency advocates.

Many believe that entrusting such responsibilities to a former warlord undermines institutional integrity and public trust.

The EFCC had previously declared Tompolo wanted in 2015 over a ₦45.9 billion fraud case involving the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

For years, Tompolo evaded arrest, prompting national and international attention.

Eventually, the charges were dropped due to insufficient evidence.

This background fuels skepticism about the sincerity and durability of the current investigation.

Some see the latest EFCC action as a political gesture rather than a commitment to real accountability.

Nonetheless, the public expects transparency and equal treatment before the law.

Legal experts have urged the EFCC to ensure that Tompolo’s case is handled with the same seriousness applied to others.

“It is not enough to issue an invitation,” said a Lagos-based legal analyst.

“The Commission must pursue the case to a logical conclusion without fear or favour.”

So far, Tompolo has not publicly responded to the EFCC invitation.

It remains unclear whether he will honour the request voluntarily or seek legal protection.

The EFCC’s next moves will be closely monitored by the Nigerian public and international observers.

This case could serve as a defining moment for the agency’s credibility in the ongoing fight against corruption.

As Nigerians await further developments, the question remains whether justice will be served impartially, or if political influence will once again undermine the rule of law.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook