THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has denied arresting a presenter, while on air, or disrupting lawful activities at Urban Radio 94.5FM, Enugu, on Monday, October 14.
EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, said in a statement on Tuesday, October 14, in Abuja, that contrary to the claim of the radio station, operatives of the anti-graft agency did not tamper with the equipment of the radio station.
He recalled that the operatives, comprising four officers, had on Monday gone to the station to invite one Favour Ekoh, host of Prime Time, a programme running at the station, adding: “Ekoh is being investigated by the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the EFCC in an alleged N700million 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 capitals after a period of time.
“They alleged that after investing their money into the company, located at 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.”
Oyewale said the operatives, who approached the radio station, holding a warrant of arrest for Ekoh, identified themselves, but instead of being allowed to carry out their assignment, they were held hostage by the station.
“Faced with such hostility, they called for a rescue team, which eventually arrested the Station Manager, 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.
While noting that the EFCC holds the media in high esteem, as the fourth estate of the realm, Oyewale added: “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 N700million, affecting 50 innocent Nigerians, are questionable.
“The Commission hereby calls 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.”
