Suspected Naira Abuse Case: The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Kelly Okungbowa, also known as Ebo Stone, a socialite based in Benin City, before Justice C. A. Obiozor of the Federal High Court in Benin City on Monday, May 26, 2025. He faces a two-count charge of Naira abuse and mutilation.
Okungbowa is accused of spraying a total of N300,000 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) while dancing with women at recreational centers in Benin City on two separate occasions, and trampling on the money in the process.
Count one states:
“That you, Kelly Okungbowa (m), sometime in November 2024 at Uyi Grand Marquee Event Centre, Benin City, Edo State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, while dancing with ‘Mummy Shallipopi,’ tampered with the total sum of N200,000 (two hundred thousand Naira) notes of N500 (five hundred Naira) denomination, issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria, by spraying the same, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (Establishment) Act 2007 and punishable under Section 21(1) of the same Act.”
Count two reads:
“That you, Kelly Okungbowa (m), on or about the 9th day of March 2025 at a Lounge/Bar owned by you, located at Ihama Road, Benin City, Edo State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, while dancing with some young ladies, tampered with the total sum of N100,000 (one hundred thousand Naira) notes of N200 (two hundred Naira) denomination, issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria, by spraying the same, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (Establishment) Act 2007 and punishable under Section 21(1) of the same Act.”
Still on Suspected Naira Abuse Case
According to a statement from the commission, Okungbowa pleaded “not guilty” when the charges were read to him. Prosecution counsel Francis Jirbo requested a trial date, while defence counsel C. B. Ogiegbaen informed the court of a pending bail application for the defendant, which had been served on the prosecution.
The court then stood down the case. When proceedings resumed at about 4 pm, the judge noted that the day was nearly over and adjourned the matter until Tuesday, May 27, 2025. The judge released the defendant to his lawyer on the condition that he would produce him in court on the adjourned date for the consideration of his bail application.
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