A heated debate has erupted on social media after a viral video showed the sons of billionaire Lagos industrialist, Chief Rasaq Okoya, allegedly abusing the Nigerian currency, the naira.
While the Nigerian police have detained a police officer involved in the incident for disciplinary action, no similar steps have been taken against the Okoya sons, sparking public outrage.
Police Response
In a statement released on Friday, Force Spokesman Adejobi Olumuyiwa confirmed the detention of the police officer featured in the video, condemning his involvement as unethical.
However, the statement made no mention of any action against the Okoya sons, who were filmed allegedly misusing the naira.
The police stated:
“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.
“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. Thanks.”
Public Reaction
The omission of any consequences for the Okoya sons has triggered widespread criticism. Many Nigerians on social media have accused the police of shielding the billionaire’s children from accountability, asserting that justice should apply equally to all.
Social Media Comments
- Okereke Nnamdi: “Nice, but those kids need to be brought to book as well. The poor policeman shouldn’t be disciplined alone.”
- Adeoye Moses Temitayo: “Police caught in the abuse of Naira detained while the real abusers of the Naira are not in detention but are roaming their estate. Well done, the pillar of NPF credibility.”
- Princewill Mezie: “The police did not arrest or detain the abusers of Naira like you said na innocent helpless policeman them detain.”
- Timi Kings: “You have identified and arrested the policeman right? How about the son of the so-called businessman seen openly abusing the naira? Hope he has been detained too?”
- Onos Kelly: “The two sons of Okoya still need to be arrested for abuse of Naira. Or they didn’t commit a crime by abusing the naira notes, Adejobi Olumuyiwa?”
- Clifford Amhanyunonsen: “The policeman did nothing wrong; he was only being used by the rich kids to hold the bundles of cash being abused. He wasn’t the one abusing the naira. Police should go for Okoya’s children that abused the naira, please.”
- Victor Olagunju: “And what about the guy who actually owns or abused the money?”
Call for Justice
Nigerians have called on the police to demonstrate impartiality by arresting and prosecuting all parties involved in the naira abuse, regardless of their social status.
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They argue that failing to hold the Okoya sons accountable undermines public trust in law enforcement and reinforces a culture of impunity for the wealthy.