Benin socialite in trouble after spraying N300k on Mummy Shallipopi, 1 other

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

A Benin socialite, Kelly Okungbowa a.k.a Ebo Stone, has landed in the net of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC after allegedly spraying a total of N300,000 on one “Mummy Shallipopi and one other lady while dancing with them at recreational centres in the Edo state capital.

EFCC, in a statement by its spokesperson on Monday said Okungbowa sprayed N200,000 on ‘Mummy Shallipopi’ at Uyi Grand Marquee Event Centre, Benin City sometime in November 2024 while he also sprayed N100,000 on a lady at his at his Lounge/Bar also in the Edo state capital or about the 9th day of March 2025.

Following his arrest, Okungbowa was arraigned efore Justice C. A. Obiozor of the Federal High Court, sitting in Benin City on a two-count charge of Naira abuse and mutilation on Monday by EFCC.

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 N200,000 (two hundred thousand Naira) notes of N500 (five hundred Naira) denomination, issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria 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 N100,000 (one hundred thousand Naira) notes of N200 (two hundred Naira) denomination, issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria 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.”

He pleaded “not guilty” to the charge when it was read to him, following which prosecution counsel, Francis Jirbo prayed the court for a trial date, while the defence counsel, C. B. Ogiegbaen informed the court of a pending bail application for the defendant which has been served on the prosecution.

The court at this point stood down the case and 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 and 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.