CSOs backs EFCC fight action against naira abuse

The Network of Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria has backed the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) to take swift action against individuals who abuse the Naira.

They emphasized that “nobody is above the law” and called for immediate investigation and action against Senator Okebholo, citing his position as a lawmaker and his understanding of the law.

National Coordinator of the CSOs, Comrade Victor Kalu, disclosed this in Abuja, during a press briefing, commended the EFCC for its recent prosecution of two individuals, Bobrisky and Cubana Chief Priest, for similar offenses, but demanded equal justice for all, regardless of status or position.

He said: “It is unfortunate that the section of the CBN Act has been violated by both the high and the mighty in the society including some lawmakers themselves.

“Kudos to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) an anti-graft and law enforcement agency of Government for their swift action of defending and protecting the Naira by arresting and charging some notable individuals to Court for Naira abuse offense of spraying Naira, matching and defacing the Naira in a social event based on an obvious and undeniable viral video.

“Mr. Okuneye Idris Olarewaju (A.K.A Bobrisky) who is currently serving a six months jail term for this crime. Mr. Pascal Okechukwu, ‘popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest’. He was arraigned before Justice Kehinde Ogundare on three counts bordering on abuse of Naira by allegedly spraying and tampering with the nation’s currency at a social event.

“He is currently been prosecuted after meeting his N10 million bail condition. While we commend the EFCC for this bold action which is a courageous display of patriotism, we demand that every other individual whose viral videos are also captured abusing the naira at social event, etc should be arrested immediately and be made to face the full rut of the law, “Nobody is above the law”.

“To that effect, we call on the EFCC and other Law Enforcement Agencies to consider, investigate and do the needful on the viral video of Senator Monday Okebholo, a Senator of the Federal Republic from Edo State.”

The CSOs warned that if no action is taken, they will mobilize peaceful protests against the EFCC, institute legal action for negligence of duty, and demand a judicial interpretation of the relevant section of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act.