EFCC Arraigns Benin Socialite Kelly Okungbowa For Naira Abuse
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned popular Benin-based socialite, Kelly Okungbowa, also known as Ebo Stone, for allegedly abusing and mutilating the Nigerian currency.
Okungbowa was brought before Justice C. A. Obiozor at the Federal High Court in Benin City on Monday.
He is facing a two-count charge bordering on the spraying and trampling of a total of N300,000 in different recreational venues in Benin City.
According to the EFCC, one of the charges involved spraying and stepping on N200,000 in N500 denominations while dancing with a woman identified as “Mummy Shallipopi” at Uyi Grand Marquee in November 2024.
Count one of his charge reads: “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 whilst 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 and thereby committed 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.”
The second charge alleged that on March 9, 2025, he sprayed another N100,000 in N200 notes while dancing with several women at his lounge on Ihama Road.
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 whilst 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 same and thereby committed 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.”
Okungbowa pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Prosecuting counsel, Francis Jirbo, requested a trial date, while defence lawyer, C. B. Ogiegbaen, informed the court of a pending bail application already served on the prosecution.
The judge stood the matter down and later adjourned proceedings to Tuesday, May 27, 2025, citing time constraints.
He ordered that the defendant be released to his lawyer on the condition of a written undertaking to produce him in court on the next hearing date.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
