Subomi Okoya, son of billionaire industrialist Razaq Okoya, has apologized to Nigerians for his actions after a viral video showed him and his brother, Wahab, spraying naira notes at a public event.
The act violates Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007, which prohibits mishandling the national currency.
The incident which has since gone viral online also led to disciplinary action against a police officer seen in the video.
The Nigerian Police Force spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the officer has been identified and detained for unethical conduct.
However, many Nigerians criticized the authorities for not taking similar action against Subomi and Wahab Okoya, accusing the police of shielding them due to their family’s influence.
Netizens demanded equal enforcement of the law, calling for the arrest of the Okoya brothers alongside the officer involved.
Reacting to the backlash via his X page, Subomi expressed regret, claiming he was unaware that his actions were against the law.
He wrote: “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.”
The viral video has sparked widespread debate about accountability and the enforcement of laws regardless of social status.
KanyiDaily recalls that crossdresser Bobrisky was sentenced to six months in prison for abusing the naira, without the option of a fine.