The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed that former militant leader and Niger Delta figure, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, is under scrutiny following a viral video showing alleged naira abuse at his 54th birthday celebration.

The video, which surfaced on social media over the weekend, shows Tompolo dancing while a man lavishly sprays N1,000 notes on him.

It was originally posted on X (formerly Twitter) by a user identified as Harrison A (@harreceipts), with the caption: “EFCC, see Tompolo and the Naira o.”

EFCC see Tompolo and the Naira o🫢 pic.twitter.com/fL6AZkrCUQ

— Harrison A 🎯🎯🎯 (@harreceipts) May 11, 2025

The footage quickly sparked outrage, with Nigerians calling out the EFCC for perceived double standards.

Social media users demanded that the agency treat Tompolo the same way it has treated other high-profile individuals recently arrested for similar currency abuse offenses.

Responding on Monday, May 12, via its official X handle, the EFCC stated: “Nobody is above the law. Tompolo will have questions to answer!”

Nobody is above the law. Tompolo will have questions to answer!#EFCCNigeria pic.twitter.com/Ouk5avo6ef

— EFCC Nigeria (@officialEFCC) May 12, 2025

The statement marks the Commission’s first public reaction to the trending video and appears to address growing public concerns over selective enforcement.

While the EFCC did not disclose whether Tompolo has been summoned or if a formal investigation is underway, its comment suggests possible action in line with its renewed crackdown on naira mutilation and abuse.

In recent months, the EFCC has arrested several celebrities, including social media influencers and musicians, over similar offenses, following the Central Bank of Nigeria’s directive to protect the integrity of the national currency.

The public now watches to see whether the Commission will follow through with equal firmness in Tompolo’s case.

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The political crisis rocking Rivers State has taken another twist, as Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and New Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, ridiculed suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara following his latest public remarks.

Fubara, who was recently suspended from office alongside his deputy and members of the State House of Assembly by President Bola Tinubu, stated that he no longer felt any attachment to his position.

Speaking at a service of songs held in Port Harcourt for the late elder statesman Edwin Clark, Fubara said: “Can’t you see how better I look? Do you think I am interested in it? Do you even know if I want to go back there? My spirit had already left that place long ago.”

'My Spirit Has Left There', Fubara Breaks Silence On Rivers Emergency Rule pic.twitter.com/C3oSBRUfd9

— Channels Television (@channelstv) May 11, 2025

Wike’s camp taunts Fubara

The statement drew swift criticism from Wike’s camp.

In a post on X, Olayinka responded sarcastically, likening Fubara’s stance to a broken marriage.

“It is not really compulsory to stay in a marriage your spirit already left. Simply opt out legally,” he wrote.

It is not really compulsory to stay in a marriage your spirit already left. Simply opt out legally.

— Lere Olayinka – Aresa 1 (@OlayinkaLere) May 11, 2025

Fubara’s suspension came after months of political infighting with Wike, his predecessor and current FCT Minister, over control of Rivers State’s political machinery.

The rift escalated to the point of near-violence, with threats by Niger Delta militants to attack oil facilities.

In an attempt to stabilise the situation, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers and installed retired naval chief Ibok-Ete Ibas as Sole Administrator.

The federal intervention marks a significant shift in the balance of power, leaving the future of Fubara’s political career uncertain amid growing tensions.

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A domestic flight operated by Air Peace was abruptly halted on Saturday after the aircraft collided with a large antelope while taxiing on the runway at Asaba International Airport in Delta State. The impact caused significant damage to the plane, grounding it and resulting in flight delays for scheduled passengers.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) confirmed the incident through its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, in a post on social media platform, X. “Monitoring reports yesterday indicated that an Air Peace aircraft ran into a large antelope, decimating the animal and leaving the aircraft AOG (aircraft on ground),” he stated.

He explained that while the airline was not at fault in this particular disruption, it is still responsible for providing affected passengers with timely information, care, and, where necessary, refunds. “This explainer is for illustration purposes, not to excuse airlines when they fail to do their duties to passengers,” he noted.

As of press time, the airline had not issued a formal statement on the incident, but engineers are reportedly working to assess and repair the damage.

ALSO READ: It costs us over N14m to operate a one-hour flight, Air Peace

The occurrence comes just days after the NCAA advised Air Peace to reduce its operations in light of growing concerns over frequent delays and cancellations. While the regulator pointed to possible overextension, the airline attributed the disruptions to its commitment to safety rather than an aircraft shortage.

The incident has raised fresh concerns about runway safety and wildlife management at regional airports.

ALSO READ: Air Peace owner Onyema ranks Ekiti Airport among the best in the world