Raheem Okoya, son of billionaire businessman Chief Razaq Okoya, has issued a public apology to Nigerians following his involvement in a viral video that showed the abuse of naira notes.
The video, which also featured his brother Wahab and an unidentified police officer, has sparked outrage across the country and led to the detention of the officer.
In a statement shared on Friday via X (formerly Twitter), Raheem expressed regret, saying, “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.”
The video, which quickly spread across social media last week, shows Raheem and Wahab dressed in traditional agbada outfits, displaying stacks of crisp N1000 notes.
The brothers were promoting Raheem’s new song “Credit Alert,” while a mobile police officer in uniform can be seen holding bundles of cash, with the pair tossing the naira notes into the air as they danced.
The incident quickly drew widespread condemnation, with many Nigerians criticising the disrespect shown towards the national currency. The police officer involved in the video was subsequently detained by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), who confirmed that disciplinary action was underway.
Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, addressed the situation on his X handle on Friday, stating, “The policeman captured in the recent viral video shared by the sons of 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.”
While the police have acted swiftly, there has been some public backlash, with many questioning whether the Okoya brothers will face any consequences for their role in the video. As of now, no further details have emerged regarding possible sanctions for the billionaire’s sons.
The controversy has prompted a wider conversation about the abuse of naira notes and the need for more respect for the national currency, particularly by public figures.
As the matter unfolds, Nigerians await further updates on the disciplinary actions against the officer and any potential repercussions for the Okoya family.
