EFCC clarifies raid on Enugu radio station, arrests journalist over ponzi fraud

October 15, 2024

By Samuel Ogunsona

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed that its Enugu Zonal Command raided Urban 94.5FM, a popular radio station in Enugu State, to arrest a journalist involved in a Ponzi fraud scheme.

According to Dele Oyewale, the Commission’s Head of Media and Publicity, the journalist, whose name was not disclosed, had refused to honor an invitation by the commission.

The suspect was taken into custody, made a statement, and was released immediately.

Oyewale emphasized that no equipment was seized from the station, contradicting earlier reports that the anti-graft agency invaded the station during a live broadcast, allegedly seizing equipment worth millions of naira and arresting staff, including a presenter.

He said, “All the report that our people (EFCC) moved to the newsroom and carted their equipment, there’s nothing like that.

“What happened is this, the fellow that was arrested is a suspect in Ponzi scheme where over 103 people were defrauded and unfortunately the fellow happened to be a staff of that Radio Station.

“Investigative head; they have written letter to her and all of that but she did not respond and because of the severity of the matter, the number of people involved, just imagine somebody a journalist getting involved in Ponzi scheme.

“So they have to arrest her, brought her to our office to make a statement and they released her immediately. No equipment was taken, nothing was taken. It is normal way of our work. It is unfortunate that she is a journalist but whether a journalist or whoever a suspect is a suspect. I am even worried that media staff would engage in such kind of thing.”

The EFCC’s action is part of its ongoing efforts to combat financial crimes and corruption.

The commission has been actively securing convictions and recovering stolen funds.