Raheem Okoya, one of the sons of billionaire businessman Chief Razaq Okoya, has apologised to Nigerians over his involvement in a viral video that captured the abuse of naira notes.
The video, which circulated widely last week, shows the billionaire brothers, Wahab and Raheem dressed in agbada outfits, flaunting stacks of crisp N1000 notes to promote Raheem’s new song, “Credit Alert.”
A mobile police officer in uniform is seen holding bundles of cash as the brothers dance and tossed the naira notes into the air.
Public backlash ensued, with many Nigerians expressing scepticism that the sons of a prominent figure would face any repercussions, it also led to the detention of the officer involved.
The Nigeria Police Force confirmed that disciplinary action is underway against the officer seen in the video.
Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed via his X handle on Friday that the officer has been detained for violating the ethical standards of the police.
“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 wrote.
In a recent development, Raheem released a statement posted on Friday via X;
“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.”
Social media critic, Verydarkman, has however called for the arrest of the Okoya son, maintaining that ignorance is not an excuse.
Here’s how Netizens are reacting to Raheem’s apology:
@MrSoundHive: “You should always keep room for plausible deniability. Nothing shows that thats real Naira.”
@hk7_538: “😂 I too love this guy cause this apology is very insincere and he fully shows it.”
@_Nsznn: “We don forgive you. Oya. Do make they release that poor policeman that took the consequences of your actions.”
@Oluwase38339584: “Take this show off easy boy if you want Nigerians to accept your type of music.”
@hottyhotty20100: “Your music career never go far you don get issues. Okay day give opueh.”
@Demion4rmChina: “But yunno even spray or step on the money. Which one be abuse of naira.”
@Mide020: “Make una sort am out within una self jare, we no really send for here 😂.”
@NeDu006: “Next time use me do that part, na me dey hold money for people
@brightonwi81233: “Did your lawyer permit you to speak or you spoke out of emotions.”
@hereforawhile1i: “We see how they take bash bobrisky ooo wey them hold am for neck untop this same naira abuse to the extent say I start dey reason if she do another thing to them to deserve that kind hate. Na ordinary speech this one drop LMAO.”
By Ezinne Okorie.
