The Mayor of Urhoboland and ex-militant leader, Eshanekpe Israel Akpodoro, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to redirect its energy toward tackling serious economic crimes instead of targeting High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, over allegations of naira note spraying.
Speaking at a well-attended stakeholders’ forum in Abuja on Tuesday, May 28, 2025, Akpodoro expressed concern over EFCC’s reported invitation to Tompolo, whose firm, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd (TSSNL), is under contract with the federal government to secure oil pipelines in the Niger Delta.
“The EFCC is carrying an elephant on its head while using its toe to chase crickets,” Akpodoro said.
“There are hardened economic criminals looting our national wealth, defrauding banks, and giving the country a bad name internationally. Those are the people the EFCC should be after.”
Akpodoro criticized the EFCC for criminalizing the act of spraying naira notes at events, a practice he described as an integral part of African and Nigerian celebratory culture.
He said spraying money during religious and social events should not be treated as a criminal act unless it is linked to illicit funds or wanted individuals.
“This law against naira spraying needs to be reviewed to reflect our cultural reality,” he added. “We cannot allow the law to suffocate our traditions. If someone is spraying money and is a wanted person, go after them—but not citizens who work hard and choose to celebrate their earnings.”
The Mayor also referenced a past incident involving a former minister who allegedly presented a leased Ethiopian aircraft as a new Nigerian airline prototype, questioning why such a case did not attract EFCC scrutiny.
“Instead of pursuing individuals like Tompolo, who have played key roles in securing national assets, the EFCC should prioritize recovering looted funds and prosecuting top-level economic saboteurs,” Akpodoro stated.
He warned that inviting Tompolo, a respected figure in the Niger Delta, could inflame tensions in the region, adding, “Tompolo represents the aspirations of the Niger Delta people. Targeting him is akin to targeting the entire region.”
