The South-South chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has come to the defense of High Chief Oweizidei Thomas Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, following an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged Naira abuse during his 54th birthday celebration in April.
In a statement released by Blessing Agbomhere, Tompolo’s lawyer and Principal Partner at Blessing Agbomhere and Partners, the APC called on the EFCC to remove Tompolo’s name from its official social media platforms and retract the invitation letter sent to him. Agbomhere described the invitation as unnecessary, emphasizing that no offense had been committed by Tompolo that warranted such action.
The EFCC had invited Tompolo to appear before the commission on May 19, 2025, to answer questions regarding allegations that he stepped on Naira notes during his birthday celebration. However, Agbomhere insisted that the video in question shows Tompolo waving at an individual spraying him with the Naira notes, not stepping on them as alleged.
The letter further expressed disappointment that the EFCC had been influenced by online criticism, labeling it as a baseless attack fueled by social media users who engage in cyberbullying and seek to undermine the commission’s reputation.
Agbomhere also stressed Tompolo’s contributions to Nigeria’s economy, particularly in safeguarding the nation’s critical oil pipelines in the Niger Delta. He described Tompolo as a law-abiding citizen and a patriot working for the country’s good. He urged the EFCC to reconsider its actions and to focus on the true work of protecting the nation’s economic interests rather than succumbing to online misinformation.
The APC reiterated its support for Tompolo, calling for a fair and transparent investigation, free from external pressures or online provocations.
