The EFCC has shed light on why its officers were trapped inside Urban Radio 94.5FM in Enugu during a Ponzi scheme investigation. The officers, investigating host Favour Ekoh for a N700 million fraud, were locked inside the station’s premises, forcing a rescue team to intervene.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has clarified the details surrounding the alleged invasion of Urban Radio 94.5FM, Enugu, by officers from its Enugu Zonal Directorate. The incident occurred on Monday, October 14, during an investigation into a N700 million Ponzi scheme allegedly involving the station’s Prime Time host, Favour Ekoh.
In a statement issued by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, on Tuesday, the commission explained that four EFCC officers had gone to the radio station to invite Ekoh for questioning regarding the alleged fraud but were prevented from leaving the premises.
According to Oyewale, Ekoh is being investigated for her involvement in a fraudulent scheme known as “Life Trading,” run by Leverage Index Limited. The company, which promised investors 10% returns on their capital, is said to have defrauded over 50 victims, closing its office in Enugu without repaying either the principal or the promised returns. Ekoh allegedly recruited victims into the scheme, making her the primary contact for those seeking restitution.
The EFCC team, upon arrival at the radio station, identified themselves and explained their mission to the station’s General Manager, Bamikole Omoyomi. However, the situation escalated when the officers were locked inside the premises, both in and out, forcing them to call for a rescue team. The rescue team subsequently arrested Ekoh, Omoyomi, and two security guards involved in locking the gate.
The EFCC firmly denied allegations that Ekoh was arrested on-air or that the station’s operations were disrupted. The statement confirmed that the manager and the two security guards have since been released after providing statements to the EFCC.
While reaffirming its commitment to respecting media freedom, the EFCC condemned the unlawful obstruction of its officers and urged both the International Press Institute (IPI) and the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) to investigate the conduct of the radio station.
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