The saga began earlier this year when a viral video surfaced, showcasing Raheem Okoya and his brother Wahab Okoya—sons of a Nigerian billionaire businessman—allegedly abusing the naira. The footage depicted the brothers, dressed in white agbadas, dancing and spraying stacks of N1,000 notes while a mobile policeman held the cash. This act, which violates the law prohibiting the mutilation or abuse of the national currency, ignited widespread public outrage. The video, still accessible online, became a trending topic, prompting calls for accountability.
On January 11, 2025, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) responded by issuing an invitation for Wahab and Raheem Okoya to report to their office for questioning. A press statement confirmed the invitation, directing the brothers to appear by 10 AM on January 13, 2025. Raheem even issued a public apology, claiming his actions were unintentional. However, no further updates on the investigation were released, leaving the public in the dark about any follow-up.
The EFCC’s Selective Enforcement
The narrative highlights a perceived inconsistency in the EFCC’s actions. While the Okoya brothers’ case stalled, the agency swiftly moved against other individuals accused of naira abuse. For instance, a businessman was arrested and detained after allegedly stamping and spraying naira notes at an event. Similarly, the EFCC investigated a Niger Delta figure following public outcry over naira defacement at his event. According to an annual report, the agency secured 24 convictions out of 200 naira abuse cases, suggesting a pattern of selective prosecution. The thread sarcastically refers to the EFCC’s oversight being “blinded” in the Okoya case, contrasting with their rapid response to less-connected figures.
This inconsistency aligns with a study finding that a significant percentage of high-profile corruption and financial crime cases remain unresolved due to influence. The Okoya case seems to fit this trend, raising questions about the agency’s independence.
The Presidential Visit: A Display of Influence
The narrative took a dramatic turn on Friday, June 6, 2025—coinciding with Salah Day celebrations—when photos and videos emerged of the Okoya family visiting the president. The images showed Raheem, Wahab, and their father engaging in a warm reception with the president. One photo depicted Raheem kneeling before the president in a gesture of respect, while another showed the family posing for a photo-op in a lavishly decorated room with national and presidential flags. The visit was described as a “banquet jollification,” suggesting a celebratory rather than investigative context.
The billionaire father, an industrialist with a manufacturing empire, has a well-documented relationship with the president. Reports note that he has been a key financial supporter, providing donations during a recent election. This long-standing bond appears to have played a role in the family’s access to the presidential residence. The visit, framed as a Salah homage, included enthusiastic cheers from the president’s aides, further emphasizing the Okoyas’ elevated status.
Public Reaction and Broader Implications
The re-emergence of Raheem Okoya’s image at the presidential residence reignited public debate. People recalled the EFCC saga, with comments reflecting frustration, such as “Levels dey” and “The law is a prisoner of the rich.” The narrative argues that this incident exposes the country as a place where justice is subservient to wealth and privilege. The proximity of the EFCC headquarters to the presidential residence—mere meters apart—amplifies the irony: while the agency awaited the Okoyas, their father escorted them to dine with the president, the head of the government that oversees the EFCC.
The symbolic image of a blindfolded eagle underscores the perceived impotence of the law. This aligns with historical critiques of the justice system, where influential figures often evade accountability. The EFCC’s silence on the Okoya case, despite public pressure, contrasts with its aggressive actions against less-connected individuals, who faced arrest and conviction for similar offenses.
Current Context and Unresolved Questions
As of 09:39 AM WAT on June 11, 2025, the situation remains unresolved. The EFCC has not issued any statement regarding the Okoyas’ presidential visit or the status of their investigation. The public continues to speculate, with some viewing the visit as a deliberate signal of impunity, while others see it as a cultural gesture overshadowed by the legal backdrop. The narrative concludes with a rhetorical question: “How can justice be served when the head of the branch of government that enforces the law wines and dines with the lawbreaker?” This encapsulates the broader sentiment of disillusionment.
The father’s wealth and influence, built through his industrial empire, and his sons’ prominence as influencers and aspiring artists, add layers to the story. The Okoyas’ ability to turn a potential legal liability into a high-profile presidential visit highlights the intersection of power, privilege, and justice—a narrative that continues to evolve
Note these reports are all allegedly, as seen on the internet.
Written By Crystal Star
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