The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has refuted claims that its operatives arrested a presenter while on air or disrupted lawful activities at Urban Radio 94.5FM in Enugu on Monday. Dele Oyewale, the EFCC spokesman, issued a statement on Tuesday in Abuja addressing the allegations.
Oyewale clarified that, contrary to the radio station’s claims, EFCC operatives did not tamper with the station’s equipment during their visit. He explained that a team of four officers went to Urban Radio 94.5FM to invite Favour Ekoh, the host of the Prime Time program, who is under investigation by the EFCC’s Enugu Zonal Directorate for an alleged ₦700 million Ponzi scheme fraud involving 50 victims.
The victims accused Ekoh of luring them into investing in a scheme called Life Trading through a company named Leverage Index Limited, promising returns of 10 percent on their capital after a specified period. However, after the victims invested, the company reportedly closed its office without returning their principal or promised profits. Ekoh was the only contact the victims had for recourse.
According to Oyewale, the EFCC operatives approached the radio station with an arrest warrant for Ekoh and identified themselves. However, instead of allowing the operatives to proceed with their assignment, they were reportedly held hostage by the station staff.
In response to the situation, the operatives called for assistance, leading to the arrest of the station manager, Mr. Bamikole Owoyomi, Ekoh, and two security guards who allegedly locked them inside the station premises.