The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has invited Wahab and Raheem Okoya, sons of billionaire businessman Chief Razaq Okoya, for questioning over alleged naira abuse.
The duo are expected to appear at the EFCC’s Lagos office on Monday, January 13, 2025, at 10 am. This follows public backlash after a video showed them spraying bundles of N1,000 notes in a promotional clip for Raheem’s new song, “Credit Alert.”
In the video, the brothers, dressed in white agbadas, danced while a mobile policeman held stacks of crisp naira notes, which they flung into the air. The act, perceived as a breach of Nigeria’s currency laws, drew widespread condemnation on social media. Critics raised concerns about potential preferential treatment due to their family’s influence.
Police Action:
The Nigeria Police Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed that the officer seen in the video has been identified and detained for his involvement.
EFCC Confirmation:
The Acting Director of the Lagos Directorate of the EFCC, Michael Wetkas, issued the summons, directing the brothers to report to the commission’s Special Operations Team. This was confirmed by EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, who stated, “Yes, they have been invited.”
Public Apology:
In response to the controversy, Raheem Okoya apologized via his X (formerly Twitter) account, saying:
“To the Nigerian people, my actions were not intended to cause any trouble or harm. My intentions were pure and naive. I ask for your forgiveness and support as I had no intention of raising such an alarm. I wasn’t fully aware of the consequences of my action.”
The EFCC’s interrogation is expected to address the alleged naira abuse and ensure compliance with Nigeria’s financial regulations