By Adesina Soyooye
Kelly Okungbowa, an Aide to the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
Okungbowa, the suspended Coordinator of the Edo State Public Safety Response Team, PSRT, was arrested for alleged Naira abuse.
Popularly known as “Ebo Stone”, he was apprehended by EFCC’s Operatives from the Benin Zonal Directorate on March 9, for allegedly spraying Naira in a Bar on two exotic dancers.
His arrest was confirmed by Dele Oyewale, Head, Media and Publicity of the Commission via a statement dated March 17, 2025.
Okungbowa’s arrest has been applauded by the main opposition Party in the State, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
According to the EFCC, the suspended Governor’s Aide was arrested following a viral video where he was seen at a Bar on March 9, 2025, abusing Nigeria’s currency, the Naira, by spraying and mutilating it.
Oyewale’s statement which confirmed his arrest, reads 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”.
In a swift reaction, the PDP applauded the Commission for the arrest of the suspect.
Chris Nehikhare, the Publicity Secretary of the State’s PDP Caretaker Committee of urged the EFCC to thoroughly investigate and prosecute the suspect in accordance with the CBN Act of 2007 which criminalises the abuse of the Naira.
Said the PDP: “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 a 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.”
Governor Okpebholo suspended Okungbowa over allegations bordering on extortion, harassment, and unruly behavior.
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