FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Benin Zonal Office have arrested an aide of the governor, Kelly Okungbowa for alleged naira abuse.
Until recently, Okungbowa was the Coordinator of the state Public Safety Response Team, PSRT.
The team was suspended by the state government, following recklessness of the operatives which resulted in the death of a two-year-old child.
Okungbowa was arrested, following a viral video wherein he was seen spraying and mutilating the naira at a bar on March 9.
In the video footage which emerged at the weekend, he was seen tossing wads of naira on two scantily-dressed exotic dancers who danced around him, rubbing the notes on their bodies.
The CBN Act of 2007 criminalises the abuse of naira notes, including spraying, stepping on or mishandling currency. Offenders face six months in prison, N50,000 fine or both.
A statement on Monday night by EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, said the suspect will be charged to court as soon as investigations are completed.
Meanwhile, the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has commended the EFCC for the swift arrest of Okungbowa, for alleged naira abuse.
State Publicity Secretary of the PDP Caretaker Committee, Chris Nehikhare, in a statement, charged EFCC on thorough investigation and diligent prosecution of the suspect in accordance with the CBN Act of 2007 which criminalises the abuse of naira notes.
