Raheem Okoya, son of billionaire businessman and industrialist, Chief Razaq Akanni Okoya, has publicly apologised following the backlash from a viral video showing him and his brother, Wahab Okoya, displaying wads of N1,000 banknotes and spraying themselves while dancing to a music.
LEADERSHIP reports that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) described the actions of the Okoya boys as “abuse” of Naira notes.
The video, which featured the rich kids and an unnamed police officer, stirred widespread criticism and led to the detention of the policeman.
However, in a statement shared via X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, Raheem Okoya expressed remorse for his actions and asked Nigerians for forgiveness. He stated, “To the Nigerian people, my actions were not to cause any trouble or harm. My intentions were pure and naive. I ask for your forgiveness and support in this situation, as I had no intention to raise such an alarm. I wasn’t fully aware of the consequences of my action.”
LEADERSHIP reports that the controversial video, which garnered significant attention, showed the Okoya brothers dressed in agbada outfits, flaunting bundles of crisp N1,000 notes. The video was reportedly created to promote Raheem’s new song, ‘Credit Alert’. During the video, a police officer in uniform was seen holding the cash while the brothers danced and tossed the naira notes into the air.
The incident drew strong condemnation from the public, with many questioning the accountability of influential individuals. Some expressed scepticism about whether the sons of a prominent figure like Chief Okoya would face any legal or disciplinary consequences.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force confirmed the detention of the officer seen in the video. Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed via his X handle on Friday that the officer was undergoing disciplinary action for unethical conduct.
“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,” Adejobi stated.
While the police have taken swift action against their officer, there has been no official communication on whether the Okoya brothers will face sanctions for their actions.
