Benin Socialite "Ebo Stone" Arraigned by EFCC for Alleged Naira Abuse

 

The heat on Naira abuse just got turned up in Benin City! The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) today, Monday, May 26, 2025, arraigned popular Benin socialite Kelly Okungbowa, also known as "Ebo Stone," before Justice C. A. Obiozor of the Federal High Court in Benin City. Okungbowa faces a two-count charge bordering on Naira abuse and mutilation.

The EFCC alleges that on two separate occasions, while at recreational centers in Benin City, Okungbowa engaged in the prohibited act of spraying a total of N300,000 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) and, in the process, reportedly trampled on the currency.

The charges against him meticulously detail the alleged offenses:

Count One: Accuses Kelly Okungbowa of tampering with a total sum of N200,000 in N500 denominations, issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria, by spraying the same while dancing with "Mummy Shallipopi" at Uyi Grand Marquee Event Centre in November 2024. This is alleged to be contrary to Section 21(3) and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (Establishment) Act 2007.

Count Two: Alleges that on or about March 9, 2025, at a lounge/bar owned by him on Ihama Road, Benin City, Okungbowa tampered with N100,000 in N200 denominations by spraying the notes while dancing with young ladies. This is also cited as a violation of the same CBN Act sections.

During the court session, Okungbowa pleaded "not guilty" to the charges. Following his plea, the prosecution counsel, Francis Jirbo, requested a trial date. The defence counsel, C. B. Ogiegbaen, informed the court of a pending bail application for the defendant, which had already been served to the prosecution.

The court briefly stood down the case. When it resumed around 4 PM, Justice Obiozor, noting the late hour, adjourned the matter until Tuesday, May 27, 2025. In a provisional arrangement, the judge released the defendant to his lawyer, provided a written undertaking to produce him in court for the consideration of his bail application tomorrow.

This arraignment signals the EFCC's continued crackdown on Naira abuse, sending a clear message that such practices, which violate the integrity of the national currency, will not be overlooked. The outcome of this case will be keenly watched by the public and legal observers alike.