Why EFCC arrested “Ebo Stone” as PDP applauds Commission, urges thorough investigation

Dele Oyewale, head, Media and Publicity of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, said Monday that operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Commission, 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 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.

This as the state chapter of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, applauded the arrest.

Okungbowa will be charged to court as soon as investigations are completed, said the anti graft agency in the statement.

Meanwhile, the PDP commended EFCC for the swift arrest.

In a statement, Publicity Secretary of the Edo State PDP Caretaker Committee, Chris Osa Nehikhare, charged EFCC on thorough investigation and diligent prosecution in accordance with the CBN Act of 2007 which criminalises the abuse of naira notes.

Nehikhare said, “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.”