The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has firmly denied allegations that it arrested a radio presenter during a live broadcast at Urban Radio 94.5FM in Enugu.
The anti-corruption agency clarified that its officers did not disrupt the station’s operations or tamper with its equipment while carrying out their duties.
In a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale addressed the situation, stating that the agency did visit the radio station on Monday, but the events had been misrepresented.
Contrary to claims made by the radio station, Oyewale explained that four EFCC officers went to Urban Radio to invite a presenter, Favour Ekoh, for questioning regarding an ongoing investigation into a large Ponzi scheme fraud.
Ekoh, who hosts the program Prime Time, is being investigated by the EFCC’s Enugu Zonal Directorate for his alleged involvement in a N700 million Ponzi scheme.
The fraud, which is said to involve around 50 victims, is linked to a company called Leverage Index Limited. According to the victims, they were encouraged to invest in the scheme known as “Life Trading” and were promised a 10% return on their investment after a set period.
However, the company allegedly shut down its office at No. 1 Colliery Street, Okpara Avenue in Enugu, without returning the victims’ money.
”Ekoh is being investigated by the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the EFCC in an alleged N700 million Ponzi scheme fraud involving 50 victims.
”According to the victims, he allegedly lured them into investing in a scheme “Life Trading” in a company, Leverage Index Limited.
“They were offered returns on investment of 10 per cent of their capital after a period of time.
”They alleged that after investing their money into the company located at No. 1, Colliery Street, Okpara Avenue, Enugu, the company closed its office with no return on investment or principal returned to them.
”Ekoh remained the only link the victims could hold,” he said.
”Faced with such hostility, they called for a rescue team, which eventually arrested the Station Manager, Mr Bamikole Owoyomi, Ekoh and the two security guards that locked them within the premises of the station.
”Ekoh was neither arrested while on air nor any disruption of the lawful activities of the Radio Station took place.
”No equipment of the station was tampered with and she and others have since been released after being allowed to make statements at the EFCC Office in Enugu,” he said.
”They are critical stakeholder in the fight against economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption
”However, the precipitate and unlawful obstruction of officers of the commission from carrying out their duties by staff of the radio station is unacceptable.
”Besides, the professional credentials of Ekoh, a principal suspect in a ponzi scheme to the tune of N700m affecting 50 innocent Nigerians, are questionable.
”The commission hereby calls on the International Press Institute and the Nigerian Union of Journalists to investigate the conduct of the station in the light of integrity and ethical professional practice,” he said.
