Kelly Okungbowa, an aide to Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo, was on Monday, May 26, 2025, arraigned by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), before Justice C. A. Obiozor of the Federal High Court, sitting in Benin City.
The Benin City-based socialite popularly known as Ebo Stone, was arraigned on a two-count charge of Naira abuse and mutilation.
Okungbowa is alleged to have on two different occasions while dancing with women in recreational centres in Benin City, sprayed a total of ₦300,000 and trampled on them in the process.
Okungbowa was arrested by the EFCC owing to a viral video where he was seen spraying naira notes on two exotic dancers, at a bar, on March 9, 2025.
Count one of his charge reads: “That you, Kelly Okungbowa (m) sometime in November 2024 at Uyi Grand Marquee Event Centre, Benin City, Edo State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court whilst dancing with “Mummy Shallipopi,” tampered with the total sum of ₦200,000 (two hundred thousand naira) notes of ₦500 (five hundred naira) denomination, issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN), by spraying the same and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (Establishment) Act 2007 and punishable under Section 21 (1) of the same Act.”
Count two reads: “That you Kelly Okungbowa (m) on or about the 9th day of March 2025 at a Lounge/Bar owned by you, located at lhama Road, Benin City, Edo State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court whilst dancing with some young ladies, tampered with the total sum of ₦100,000 (one hundred thousand naira) notes of ₦200 (two hundred naira) denomination, issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) by spraying same and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (Establishment) Act 2007 and punishable under Section 21 (1) of the same Act.”
When the charges were read to him, the suspect pleaded “not guilty”, following which prosecution Counsel, Francis Jirbo, prayed the Court for a trial date.
On his part, the Defence Counsel, C. B. Ogiegbaen, informed the Court of a pending bail application for the defendant, which has been served on the prosecution.
At this point, Justice Obiozor stood down the case.
When the matter came up again at about 4pm, the Judge informed the parties that the day was far spent and adjourned the matter till Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
He thereafter released the defendant to his lawyer upon undertaking in writing to produce him in Court on the adjourned date for the consideration of his bail application.
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