EFCC speaks on invasion of radio station in Enugu

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has cleared the air over the alleged invasion of Urban Radio 94.5FM, Enugu by a team from its Enugu Zonal Directorate on Monday, October 14.

A statement by EFCC Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale on Tuesday, said four officers of the commission went to the radio station to invite one Favour Ekoh, host of Prime Time, a programme running at the station, for an alleged N700 million ponzi scam but were blocked and eventually locked inside the premises.

He said Ekoh is being investigated by the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the EFCC in the alleged fraud involving about 50 victims. He noted that according to the victims, Ekoh allegedly lured them into investing in a scheme “Life Trading” in a company, Leverage Index Limited, where they were offered returns on investment of 10 per cent of their capitals after a period of time.

The statement read: “The victims alleged that after investing their money into the company located at No. 1 Colliery Street, Okpara Avenue, Enugu State, the company closed its office with no return on investment or principal returned to the victims. Ekoh allegedly invited the victims into the business and she remained the only link the victims could hold.

He said at the radio station, the officers properly identified themselves and explained their mission to the general manager of the station Bamikole Omoyomi but in a twist the officers were held hostage because the gate was locked both in and out.

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Oyewale said the EFCC officers were left with no option than to call for a rescue team who eventually arrested Ekoh, Omoyomi and the two security guards that locked them within the premises.

EFCC insisted that Ekoh was not arrested while on-air neither were lawful activities of the station disrupted as falsely speculated adding that the manager and the two security guards have been released after making statements.

While pledging its loyalty to the media, EFCC said unlawful obstruction of officers of the commission carrying out their duties was unacceptable and called on the International Press Institute, IPI, and the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, to investigate the conduct of the station in the light of integrity and ethical professional practice.