EFCC apprehends Gov Okpebholo’s aide, Okungbowa, for alleged naira abuse

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken Kelly Okungbowa, the suspended coordinator of the Edo State Public Safety Response Team (PSRT), into custody over alleged abuse of the naira.  

News360 Nigeria reports that Okungbowa, widely known as “Ebo Stone,” was apprehended by operatives from the EFCC’s Benin zonal office.

Dele Oyewale, the Commission’s Head of Media and Publicity, confirmed the arrest in a statement released on March 17, 2025.

He stated that Okungbowa’s detention followed the circulation of a viral video showing him spraying and defacing the naira at a bar on March 9, 2025.

The statement read in part: “Operatives of the Benin zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, March 17, 2025 arrested Kelly Okungbowa (a.k. a Ebo Stone) for alleged Naira abuse.

“Okungbowa, who until recently was the coordinator of the Edo State Public Safety Response Team, PSRT, now suspended by the Edo State Government, was arrested owing to a viral video where he was seen spraying and mutilating the naira at a bar on March 9, 2025”,he said.

He said he would be charged to court as soon as investigations are completed.

Meanwhile, the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has commended the anti-graft agency for the swift arrest of the suspect.

A statement by Chris Nehikhare, the Publicity Secretary of the State’s caretaker committee of the party, charged EFCC on thorough investigation and diligent prosecution in accordance with the CBN Act of 2007 which criminalised the abuse of naira notes.

“The Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, commends the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for the swift arrest of Kelly Okungbowa, also known as Ebo Stone for alleged naira abuse.

“The swift arrest of Okungbowa who was seen in a viral video spraying and mutilating the Naira sends a strong message that such criminal and irresponsible actions will not be tolerated, regardless of the perpetrator’s position or influence.

“We charge the EFCC to carry out thorough investigation on the matter and ensure diligent prosecution in accordance with the CBN Act of 2007 which criminalises the abuse of naira notes, including spraying, stepping on, or mishandling”, he added.

News360 Nigeria recalls that the aide to the State Governor, Monday Okpebholo was suspended by the State Government over allegations of extortion, harassment, and unruly behavior.

In the viral video, he was seen spraying naira notes on two exotic dancers, at a bar, on March 9, 2025 in Benin City.