Naira Abuse: Storm Over Detention Of Okoya Family Police Escort

The actions of the Nigeria Police Force in detaining an officer who appeared in a viral video, where the naira was mishandled, have led to varied reactions from the public.

The video, which recently gained widespread attention, showed the officer assisting a businessman known as Chief Okoya while the currency was being abused.

In a brief statement shared on its official X page, the police confirmed that the officer has been identified and detained, and he will face disciplinary action. The statement condemned the officer’s involvement, calling it “unethical,” and reassured the public that the police would continue to uphold their core values. However, the situation raised a larger issue, with many questioning why the actual culprits in the video—Chief Okoya’s sons—were not arrested or disciplined.

A number of social media users reacted with frustration, expressing that the police focus on the officer seemed disproportionate.

One reaction from @Tioluwalope0 criticized the detention of the policeman while leaving the businessmen untouched, saying, “Detain the policeman you people allowed to be used as escort but free the gentlemen handling the naira wrongly. Just have money, you are gon be above the law… Meanwhile, it’s every year we are hearing ‘IGP withdraws police from VIPs.’”

@FredMorgan29671 echoed similar sentiments, stating that arresting the officer while allowing the perpetrators of the naira abuse to go free speaks volumes about the justice system: “Arresting the policeman and leaving those abusing the naira tell a lot about Nigeria. It’s well ire oo.”

The belief that the rich often escape the law while the poor suffer for minor infractions was also widespread in the reactions. @afrotrax pointed out the inequality in how justice is applied, writing, “How the poor and voiceless are always made to pay for the crimes of the rich. Make this make sense—what would you have had the police officer do?” This highlights the perception that the officer had little control over the situation and was just fulfilling a duty to a wealthy individual.

Another user, @Maliqifeoluwa, voiced their frustration, saying, “You detained the policeman because he is poor. Why don’t you arrest those guys?”

This reaction reflects growing anger over the perceived bias of the justice system towards the wealthy.

Questions of accountability also emerged, with many asking why the wealthy individuals involved in the incident were not held accountable. @iamdchairman and @SimoncoleB both wondered why the police didn’t arrest the Okoya sons, questioning if the police were turning a blind eye due to the individuals’ status.

Some users criticized the police force’s stance on “values,” with @maxvayshia sarcastically asking, “Please what is ‘Values’ and ‘Police’ doing in the same sentence?”—suggesting a disconnect between the police’s stated values and their actions.

In contrast, @Irunnia_ pointed out the apparent double standard in the situation: “The sons of Chief Okoya abused money and they were not punished. It was the policeman standing on his own that was punished.” This comment highlighted the growing frustration that the real wrongdoers were left unpunished.

While many criticized the police action, a few users defended the decision to detain the officer. @TROJAN said, “People are quick to defend the officer, but he knew the law he swore to uphold. Ignoring naira abuse while on duty makes him complicit.”

The mixed reactions to the incident reveal a deeper concern about the fairness and application of the law in Nigeria, particularly when it comes to the powerful. As the debate continues, questions remain about the accountability of both the police and the wealthy individuals involved.

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