A senior Edo State government official, Kelly Okungbowa, also known as Ebo Stone, has been caught on video spraying newly minted naira notes on two strippers at a private party. Okungbowa, Chairman of the Edo State Asset Recovery Committee and State Coordinator of the Public Safety Response Team (PSR), is a close ally of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
The footage, which surfaced online over the weekend, shows Okungbowa tossing wads of cash into the air as two scantily clad women dance around him, rubbing the notes on their bodies. The party reportedly took place at an upscale lounge in Benin City, which sources claim is linked to the government official.
Violation of Naira Abuse Laws
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act of 2007 prohibits the abuse of naira notes, including spraying, stepping on, or mishandling currency. Offenders face six months in prison, a ₦50,000 fine, or both.
Authorities have previously enforced this law, most notably in February 2024, when actress Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin was jailed for six months for stepping on naira notes. In May 2024, socialite Bobrisky received a similar sentence, while businessman Cubana Chief Priest reached an out-of-court settlement after being charged later that year.
The video of Okungbowa has reignited debates over whether the law is enforced equally for politicians and private citizens.
Calls for EFCC Investigation
Civil society groups, including Concerned Edo Youth, have petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate and prosecute Okungbowa.
Joseph Gbale, the group’s president, accused the government of double standards.
“These people harass traders and motorists in the name of public safety while engaging in the same reckless behavior behind closed doors,” Gbale said. “Will the EFCC act, or is the law only for the poor?”
Political Fallout for Governor Okpebholo
The controversy comes as Governor Okpebholo’s administration faces growing public dissatisfaction, corruption scandals, and an impending tribunal ruling on his bitterly disputed election. His government is already reeling from the fallout over the Public Safety Response Team, which was suspended following the tragic death of two-year-old Gift Kelly Osahon. His Attorney General was suspended over corruption allegations, and his ongoing battle with President Bola Tinubu’s administration over local government control has further weakened his position.
Attempts to reach Governor Okpebholo’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, for comment were unsuccessful, and Okungbowa has not responded to inquiries regarding the video.