Subomi Okoya, son of Nigerian billionaire industrialist Razaq Okoya, has tendered a public apology following the backlash over a viral video showing him and his brother Wahab spraying naira notes at a public event.
The act, which contravenes Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, 2007, has sparked outrage on social media.
In a statement posted on his X account on Friday, Subomi expressed regret over his actions, claiming he was unaware that spraying or abusing the naira was an offence. “To the Nigerian people, my actions were not to cause any trouble or harm. My intentions were pure and naive. I ask for your forgiveness and support in this situation as I had no intention to raise such an alarm. I wasn’t fully aware of the consequences of my action,” he wrote.
https://x.com/SIRAHEEM7/status/1877617587304923153?t=dfq8fCXMFBVCzZ2lVe9TQQ&s=19
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force confirmed that the officer seen in the video would face disciplinary action. Force Spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi announced on Friday that the officer had been identified, but no mention was made regarding any potential legal consequences for the Okoya brothers.
The police’s selective action has triggered widespread criticism from netizens, who accused authorities of shielding the affluent while enforcing laws on ordinary citizens. Many argued that Subomi and Wahab should also be held accountable for violating the CBN Act, demanding their immediate arrest.
Social media commentators noted the perceived double standard, calling for equal enforcement of laws regardless of social status. The incident has reignited discussions about currency abuse and the need for stringent enforcement of financial regulations to protect the naira’s integrity.
Despite the apology, the controversy surrounding the incident continues to generate debate, with many awaiting further action from authorities.
