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Why We Raided Urban Radio Station In Enugu – EFCC
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has clarified the reasons behind its operatives’ visit to Urban Radio 94.5FM in Enugu on Monday, an event that sparked widespread discussion on social media.
Dele Oyewale, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, explained that a team from the Enugu Zonal Directorate, consisting of four officers, went to the radio station to invite Favour Ekoh, the host of the Prime Time program, for questioning. Ekoh is under investigation for her alleged involvement in a N700 million Ponzi scheme that reportedly affected around 50 victims.
Contrary to social media claims, Oyewale stated that Ekoh was not arrested while on air. He explained, “According to the victims, Ekoh allegedly enticed them to invest in a scheme called ‘Life Trading’ through a company named Leverage Index Limited, promising returns of 10 percent on their investments after a certain period.”
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The victims alleged that after they invested their money at the company’s office located at No. 1 Colliery Street, Okpara Avenue, Enugu State, the office was closed, and they received neither their investment nor any returns.
Oyewale elaborated that while at the radio station, the EFCC operatives, who were armed with an arrest warrant for Ekoh, identified themselves to the station’s Managing Director, Bamikole Owoyomi. However, in an unexpected turn of events, a staff member of the station contacted the Chairman, who ordered that the building’s gates be locked, effectively trapping the officers inside.
Faced with this obstruction, the EFCC called for backup, which resulted in the arrest of Owoyomi, Ekoh, and two security guards who had locked the operatives in the station. “Ekoh had to be tracked to the station for her arrest due to the nature of the fraudulent activities, necessitating a sting operation to prevent her from fleeing,” Oyewale noted.
He emphasised that Ekoh was neither apprehended while on air nor was there any disruption to the radio station’s operations. “No equipment was tampered with, and she was released after providing a statement at the Enugu office.”
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Owoyomi and the security guards were arrested for obstructing justice, having initially hindered the EFCC officers from performing their duties, but they were later released.
Oyewale affirmed that the EFCC values the media as a crucial partner in the fight against economic and financial crimes. However, he stated that the unlawful obstruction of the commission’s officers by the radio station staff is unacceptable.
He further called on the International Press Institute (IPI) and the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) to investigate the conduct of the station concerning integrity and ethical practices, noting, “The professional credentials of Ekoh, a principal suspect in a Ponzi scheme affecting 50 innocent Nigerians, are questionable.”
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