By Deborah Nnamdi
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Monday night arrested Favour Ekoh, an Urban Radio 94.5FM host in Enugu, for her alleged involvement in a ₦700 million Ponzi scheme that defrauded no fewer than 50 victims.
The scheme, operated by Leverage Index Limited, promised a 10% return on investment through a method referred to as “Life Trading,” but the EFCC did not state Ekoh’s role in the alleged crime.
It was learnt that after collecting money from investors, the company abruptly closed its office at No. 1 Colliery Street, Okpara Avenue, Enugu, without returning any investments or principal amounts.
On Monday, October 14, 2024, EFCC operatives, armed with a warrant, visited Urban Radio 94.5FM to question Ekoh.
The Commission said that in a surprising turn of events, the media house’s staff members, acting on orders from the station’s chairman, Mr Bankole Owoyomi, locked the operatives inside, obstructing their efforts to carry out their duties.
In a statement on Tuesday, Dele Oyewale, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, condemned the actions of the radio station as unlawful.
“Faced with such hostility, the EFCC staff called for a rescue team, which ultimately led to the arrests of Owoyomi, Ekoh, and the two security guards who had locked the operatives within the premises of the station.
“Owoyomi and the security guards were arrested for obstructing justice, as they initially prevented the operatives from performing their official duties,” Oyewale stated.
He further clarified, “Ekoh was tracked to the station for arrest because the nature of the fraudulent dealings necessitated a sting operation to prevent her escape. She was neither arrested while on air nor was there any disruption to the lawful activities of the radio station.
“No equipment of the station was tampered with, and she has since been released after making a statement at the EFCC’s Enugu office.”
Owoyomi and the security guards were later released after providing their statements, while Ekoh was granted bail after cooperating with the EFCC.
Oyewale added, “The EFCC holds the media in high regard as the fourth estate of the realm and a critical stakeholder in the fight against economic and financial crimes and corruption. However, the unlawful obstruction of Commission officers by the staff of the radio station is unacceptable.
“The Commission hereby urges the International Press Institute and the Nigerian Union of Journalists to investigate the station’s conduct in light of integrity and ethical professional practice.”
