Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested Kelly Okungbowa, popularly known as Ebo Stone, for alleged naira abuse. Okungbowa, the suspended coordinator of the Edo State Public Safety Response Team, was apprehended on Monday.
The EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, disclosed this in a statement, revealing that Okungbowa was suspended by the state government following a viral video showing him spraying and mutilating naira notes at a bar on March 9, 2025.
“The EFCC has arrested Kelly Okungbowa, also known as Ebo Stone, for alleged naira abuse. Okungbowa, who until recently served as the coordinator of the Edo State Public Safety Response Team, was suspended by the state government due to a viral video where he was seen spraying and mutilating the naira at a bar on March 9, 2025,” the statement read.
The EFCC further confirmed that Okungbowa would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has praised the EFCC for its swift action in arresting Okungbowa.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Publicity Secretary of the Edo State PDP Caretaker Committee, Chris Nehikhare, urged the EFCC to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure proper prosecution in line with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act of 2007, which criminalizes the abuse of naira notes.
“The Edo State PDP commends the EFCC for swiftly arresting Kelly Okungbowa, also known as Ebo Stone, for alleged naira abuse,” Nehikhare stated.
He emphasized that the prompt arrest sends a strong message that such reckless actions will not be tolerated, regardless of the offender’s position or influence.
“We urge the EFCC to carry out a detailed investigation and ensure diligent prosecution under the CBN Act of 2007, which prohibits the abuse of naira notes, including spraying, stepping on, or mishandling them,” he added.
