The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has clarified the reasons behind its raid on Urban 94.5 FM, a radio station in Enugu State, which took place on Monday, October 14, 2024. The EFCC detained a presenter, Favour Ekoh, and three other employees during a live program. Equipment valued at millions of naira was also reportedly seized during the operation.
In a statement released on Tuesday, October 15, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale explained that the operation aimed to arrest Ekoh over her alleged involvement in a N700 million Ponzi scheme, which defrauded about 50 victims. According to the EFCC, Ekoh is accused of luring the victims into investing in a fraudulent scheme called “Life Trading” through a company known as Leverage Index Limited. The victims were promised a 10% return on their investment, but after contributing funds, the company vanished, leaving them without their money.
Oyewale stated that when EFCC officers arrived at the radio station to execute a warrant for Ekoh’s arrest, the station’s chairman ordered the gates locked, effectively holding the operatives inside. This led to the arrest of the station’s Managing Director, Bamikole Owoyomi, along with two security guards, for obstructing justice. The EFCC stressed that despite the confrontation, no equipment at the station was damaged, and Ekoh was not arrested during her live broadcast. She has since been released after providing a statement at the EFCC office in Enugu.
The EFCC expressed its respect for the media as a vital partner in the fight against corruption, but condemned the actions of the radio station staff for obstructing their work. The agency also questioned Ekoh’s professional integrity, urging the International Press Institute (IPI) and the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) to investigate the conduct of the station in light of ethical media practices.
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