- Says intentions were pure and naive
Subomi Okoya, a son of billionaire businessman Razaq Okoya, has publicly apologised to Nigeria police and Nigerians at large saying he is not aware of the consequences for abusing the naira after a policeman attached to him was detained over a viral video showing the incident.
In the video, Subomi and his brother Wahab are seen spraying naira notes while the detained officer holds stacks of the currency.
This act violates Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007, which prohibits the abuse of the nation’s currency.
Spraying or mishandling naira notes is a punishable offence. In 2024, popular socialite and cross-dresser Okuneye Idris, also known as Bobrisky, was imprisoned for a similar violation.
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) announced on its official X handle on Friday that the officer involved had been identified and detained for disciplinary action.
“The policeman captured in the recent viral video shared by the sons of Lagos businessman Chief Okoya, where they were abusing the naira, has been identified and detained for disciplinary action,” the NPF stated.
The force condemned the officer’s involvement, describing his actions as unethical and contrary to the values of the police. “We remain committed to upholding the sanctity, credibility, and core values of the police force,” the statement read.
In response to the criticism, Subomi apologized via a post on his X account expressing regret for his actions.
“To the Nigerian people, my actions were not intended to cause any trouble or harm. My intentions were pure and naive,” he wrote. “I ask for your forgiveness and support as I had no intention of raising such an alarm. I wasn’t fully aware of the consequences of my action.”