Benin City, Nigeria – Kelly Okungbowa, popularly known as Ebo Stone, was arrested today by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged abuse of the naira. The arrest follows a viral video that surfaced online, showing Okungbowa spraying and mutilating naira notes at a bar on March 9, 2025.
Okungbowa, who until recently served as the Coordinator of the Edo State Public Safety Response Team (PSRT), has been suspended from his position by the Edo State Government. The video, which sparked widespread outrage, depicted him tossing wads of cash at exotic dancers, an act that violates the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act of 2007. The law criminalizes the abuse of naira notes, prescribing penalties of up to six months imprisonment, a ₦50,000 fine, or both.
The EFCC, in a statement released by its spokesperson Dele Oyewale, confirmed the arrest and assured the public that Okungbowa would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations. “No one is above the law,” the statement read, emphasizing the commission’s commitment to upholding financial regulations.
The Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) commended the EFCC for its swift action, stating that such behavior is unacceptable, regardless of the perpetrator’s status or influence.
