Home Politics “EFCC Chairman Defends Tompolo: Calls for Fair Hearing Amid Naira Allegations”

Politics

“EFCC Chairman Defends Tompolo: Calls for Fair Hearing Amid Naira Allegations”

May 26, 2025

“EFCC Chairman Defends Tompolo: Calls for Fair Hearing 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 alleged misuse of the Naira by former militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, commonly known as Tompolo.

A viral video showed Tompolo being showered with N1,000 notes by an unknown person during his 54th birthday celebration. This footage sparked significant public outrage, prompting many Nigerians to call for the EFCC to take immediate action, similar to its responses in recent cases of currency abuse.

Join our WhatsApp community

In response, Olukoyede stressed the importance of due process and confirmed that the agency is investigating the situation. He mentioned that Tompolo has been invited for questioning and that the controversial video is currently undergoing forensic analysis to confirm its authenticity.

“Nigerians should not rush to condemn Tompolo based on mere allegations,” Olukoyede stated in a recent interview. “We must ensure he receives a fair hearing. We are conducting a forensic analysis of the video because, nowadays, it is possible to manipulate such footage.”

Join our WhatsApp community

He reiterated the commission’s commitment to fairness and the rule of law, stating, “We have invited Tompolo to Nigeria. It is important for everyone to understand that no one is above the law. We should not condemn Tompolo based on allegations alone; they are just that—allegations for now.

Olukoyede added, “We cannot declare Tompolo guilty or innocent at this stage. Every Nigerian deserves a fair hearing.”

This situation arises shortly after the sentencing of Nigerian singer Babatunde Peter Olaitan, known as Tee Dollar, and content creator Tobilola Olamide, also known as Tobi Nation, to six months in prison for currency abuse.

The EFCC’s handling of Tompolo’s case will be closely monitored as a measure of the agency’s consistency in enforcing the law, regardless of an individual’s status or background.