Nearly a year after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) publicly promised action, former militant leader Government Ekpumupolo, known as Tompolo, remains untouched over a viral video showing him abusing naira notes.
ENigeria Newspaper learnt that the Federal Investigative Journal (FIJ), in an investigative report, says the delay highlights a growing perception of selective enforcement by the anti-graft agency.
The controversy began in April 2025, when Tompolo’s 54th birthday video circulated widely online. In it, he danced on naira notes while men sprayed currency at his feet, a clear violation of Section 21 of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, which forbids dancing on or spraying naira notes at events.
On May 12, 2025, the EFCC posted that “nobody was above the law” and that Tompolo “had questions to answer” about the incident. Olanipekun Olukoyede, EFCC Chairman, later explained the delay.
“We have invited Tompolo. The whole of Nigeria knows that, and we have said that nobody is above the law. Nobody should go and question Tompolo over the allegation. It is just an allegation. They are mere allegations for now. When he comes, we will look at it. We have subjected the video to forensic analysis. We must give every Nigerian a fair hearing and the benefit of the doubt,” he told TVC.
Yet, 11 months later, there is no public record of prosecution or resolution, even as the EFCC has pursued ordinary citizens swiftly for similar offences. In recent months, actress Saadatu Mohammed Inuwa was sentenced to six months imprisonment or a N200,000 fine, and TikToker Fatima Muhammed was arrested in Maiduguri, Borno State, for cleaning her nose with a N500 note, according to EFCC statements.
FIJ, the Foundation for Investigative Journalism, has criticized the apparent double standard.
“While ordinary Nigerians face immediate prosecution for naira abuse, high-profile figures like Tompolo continue to evade public accountability,” the group said.
The watchdog also highlighted another incident where a woman wearing an APC bucket hat sprayed singer Dauda Rarara with naira notes in the presence of President Bola Tinubu, yet no EFCC action followed.
FIJ emphasizes that the EFCC’s inaction undermines public trust, suggesting that selective enforcement of financial crimes against ordinary citizens versus powerful individuals could damage the agency’s credibility.
