Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress candidate in Edo State’s September 21 governorship election, faces potential imprisonment following accusations of naira abuse, according to a coalition of civil society organizations.
The Network of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria lodged a petition with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on May 2, 2024, alleging Okpebholo’s violation of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act of 2007, which deems naira abuse a punishable offense.
Signed by the coalition’s National Coordinator, Victor Kalu, and National Secretary, Ali Abacha, the petition highlighted Okpebholo’s alleged misconduct and urged swift action by the EFCC, The Punch reported.
The coalition praised the EFCC’s previous actions against individuals seen abusing the naira in viral videos and demanded similar consequences for Okpebholo.
In response, Okpebholo denied the allegations, labeling them as a smear campaign orchestrated by his detractors ahead of the gubernatorial election.
He called for an investigation into the petition’s origins and reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people of Edo State.
