EFCC Drags Benin Socialite Ebo Stone to Court Over Spraying and Mutilation of Naira Notes in Benin City

 

Benin City, Edo State — Popular nightlife personality and flamboyant figure, Kelly Okungbowa, widely known as Ebo Stone, faced the gavel on Monday, May 26, 2025, after being arraigned before the Federal High Court sitting in Benin City. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), through its Benin Zonal Directorate, brought the socialite to court on a two-count charge linked to the abuse and mutilation of Nigeria’s legal tender.

Charges stem from separate incidents that reportedly occurred during lively gatherings in Benin City. According to court documents, the allegations involve Okungbowa’s public spraying of money — a culturally popular but legally frowned-upon act — which he allegedly carried out while dancing with women at local event venues. The total amount involved across both incidents stands at N300,000.

Court proceedings began with a formal reading of the two charges. The first count accused the defendant of having sprayed and trampled on N200,000 worth of N500 notes in November 2024 during a celebration at Uyi Grand Marquee Event Centre. Prosecutors claim the act occurred while he was dancing with a woman known as “Mummy Shallipopi,” a regular figure at the city’s entertainment circles. This action, the EFCC argues, constitutes a violation of Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act of 2007, which prohibits tampering with banknotes.

The second charge relates to a more recent event held on March 9, 2025, at a lounge and bar reportedly owned by Okungbowa himself, situated along Ihama Road in Benin City. There, he allegedly sprayed N100,000 in N200 denominations while dancing with several young women. Both actions are classified under the same statute, with a potential penalty outlined in Section 21(1) of the CBN Act.

Upon hearing the charges, Okungbowa entered a plea of “not guilty.” His defense counsel, C. B. Ogiegbaen, quickly informed the court of a bail application that had been previously filed and duly served to the prosecution. On the other hand, EFCC prosecuting counsel, Francis Jirbo, requested the court to set a trial date to commence the proceedings.

Following these initial submissions, the court briefly stood the case down. However, by the time it resumed around 4 p.m., Justice C. A. Obiozor ruled that the day’s session could no longer accommodate further proceedings due to time constraints. The matter was adjourned to Tuesday, May 27, 2025, for the consideration of the defendant’s bail application.

Justice Obiozor directed that the accused be temporarily released to his lawyer, pending the next court appearance. A written undertaking was submitted by the defense, assuring that Okungbowa would be present in court on the rescheduled date.

This case underscores the government’s renewed enforcement of existing monetary regulations, particularly as it pertains to public conduct involving the use of the naira. The EFCC, under increased pressure to address financial crimes in both formal and informal spaces, has made clear that the flaunting and mishandling of currency, no matter the occasion or social status of the offender, will not be tolerated.

Ebo Stone’s case has since sparked significant conversation in both legal and entertainment circles, with some criticizing what they perceive as selective enforcement, while others applaud the move as necessary to preserve the dignity of the naira.

As the city awaits the next hearing, all eyes remain on the courtroom where lifestyle meets legality — and where a local celebrity must now grapple with a justice system determined to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s financial symbols.