EFCC Chair urges fair hearing for Tompolo amid Naira allegations
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olanipekun Olukoyede, has urged Nigerians to avoid jumping to conclusions regarding the recent allegations of naira abuse involving former militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.
The controversy arose after a video circulated widely on social media showing Tompolo being showered with N1,000 notes by an unidentified person during his 54th birthday celebration.
The footage sparked public outrage, with many calling on the EFCC to take immediate action, similar to its recent crackdown on other cases of naira abuse.
In response, Olukoyede stressed the need for due process and confirmed that the EFCC is actively investigating the matter.
He disclosed that Tompolo has been invited for questioning, and the video is undergoing forensic analysis to determine its authenticity.
“Nigerians should not condemn Tompolo based on a mere allegation,” Olukoyede said in a recent interview.
“We must give him a fair hearing. Videos can be manipulated nowadays, so we are thoroughly verifying this one.”
He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to fairness and the rule of law, stating, “We have invited Tompolo to Nigeria.
Everyone knows this. No one is above the law. For now, it’s just an allegation, and no one should rush to judgment.”
Olukoyede emphasized, “We cannot declare Tompolo guilty or innocent at this stage. Every Nigerian deserves a fair hearing.”
This development follows the EFCC’s recent sentencing of Nigerian singer Babatunde Peter Olaitan (Tee Dollar) and content creator Tobilola Olamide (Tobi Nation) to six months in prison for naira abuse.
The handling of Tompolo’s case will be seen as a critical test of the EFCC’s impartiality and consistency in enforcing the law, irrespective of an individual’s status or background.
EFCC Chair urges fair hearing for Tompolo amid Naira allegations