‘I wasn’t aware of the consequences’ — Okoya’s son Subomi apologises over naira abuse

Subomi ‘Sirheem’ Okoya, son of Rasaq Okoya, the Nigerian billionaire industrialist, has apologised for abusing the naira.

A video recently surfaced on social media showing Sirheem, who is a fledgling musician, and his brother Wahab seemingly mishandling the naira.

In the footage, a police officer is seen holding wads of naira notes as the sons of the billionaire gyrated to a tune.

The video was touted as a promotional clip for Sirheem’s new song.

Reacting in a statement on Friday, Muyiwa Adejobi, the police spokesperson, said the officer seen in the viral video has been detained.

He said the officer’s actions were “unethical,” adding that he would face disciplinary action.

“The policeman captured in the recent viral video shared by the sons of the Lagos businessman, Chief Okoya, where they were abusing the naira, has been identified and detained for disciplinary action,” Adejobi wrote on X.

“The involvement of the policeman has been condemned, as it’s unethical. We will always strive hard to uphold the sanctity, credibility, and core values of the police.”

Adejobi, however, made no mention of any potential arrests or actions against Okoya’s sons, who were captured misusing the naira.

This sparked reactions on X, with some Nigerians arguing that the billionaire’s sons are the “true offenders”.

In a post via X, Sirheem begged for forgiveness, adding that he was “naive”.

He also claimed that he was unaware of the legal implications of his actions.

“To the Nigerian people, my actions were not to cause any trouble or harm. My intentions were pure and naive,” he said.

“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 @PoliceNG.”

In 2024, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) ramped up its enforcement of naira abuse by celebritries, citing Section 21 of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act.

On April 4, Bobrisky, the social media celebrity, was arrested by the commission in Lagos for defacing naira notes.

The crossdresser was jailed on a six-count charge by the EFCC.

On April 16, the EFCC filed a three-count charge against Cubana Chief Priest, the socialite and social media influencer, over alleged naira abuse.

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