The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into a viral video allegedly showing a Chinese national tearing Nigerian naira notes in Lagos.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the development, stating, “The EFCC is looking into the issue, please.”
The incident reportedly occurred at a Chinese-owned company along the Lekki-Epe Expressway when Lagos State officials attempted to seal the premises over alleged regulatory violations.
The video, which has sparked widespread outrage, shows the Chinese man resisting the closure and tearing naira notes pulled from his bag during a heated confrontation.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that Nigerian workers at the company shielded the man, preventing Lagos State officials from apprehending him.
Public Backlash
The video has ignited an uproar on social media, with Nigerians demanding immediate action.
Influential social media personality Daniel Regha expressed his frustration, tweeting, “The EFCC should arrest this man and charge him to court for committing a punishable offense. However, my concern is how selectively justice is applied in Nigeria. If this were a high-ranking politician or their associates, the case would likely go nowhere.”
Other social media users also condemned the act.
@Qladele called for severe repercussions, tweeting, “The Chinese man who disrespected Nigerian currency should be arrested. The company involved should also be permanently shut down. Disrespecting your host country should have consequences. Those who obstructed justice should also face the law.”
Similarly, @PureStanley1 reflected on the broader implications, saying, “Imagine if a Nigerian went to China and tore the Chinese Yuan after the Chinese government sealed his business. This is a huge blow to Nigeria. Even though I don’t support the Tinubu-led government, this is an insult to our country and government!”
Legal experts have weighed in, with Tolu Babaleye noting that the alleged act constitutes an offense under Nigerian law.
He said, “He can be arrested, tried, and if convicted, sentenced for mutilating naira notes, as this is an offense under Nigerian law.”
Calls for Accountability
The video continues to circulate widely, drawing calls for stricter enforcement of laws to protect Nigeria’s currency and sovereignty.
While the EFCC’s investigation is ongoing, the incident has reignited concerns about perceived double standards in Nigeria’s justice system and the respect afforded to the country by foreign nationals.
