The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a radio host, Favour Ekoh, in connection with an alleged N700 million Ponzi scheme.
Ekoh, who anchors the “Prime Time” program on Urban Radio 94.5FM Enugu, is accused of luring unsuspecting investors into a fraudulent investment scheme, promising exorbitant returns.
This was contained in a statement issued by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, on Tuesday.
According to the statement, “On Monday, October 14, 2024, a team of operatives from the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, visited Urban Radio Enugu to invite Favour Ekoh for questioning regarding her involvement in an alleged N700 million Ponzi scheme fraud, which has affected about fifty victims.”
Oyewale explained that Ekoh allegedly lured her victims into investing in a scheme called Life Trading under Leverage Index Limited, where she promised a 10 per cent return on investment.
“The victims claimed that after investing their money in the company located at No. 1 Colliery Street, Okpara Avenue, Enugu, the company shut down operations without returning their principal or profits,” he added.
The EFCC statement revealed that Ekoh was the primary link to the victims, many of whom were left stranded after the company’s sudden disappearance.
“Ekoh’s role as the host of Prime Time made her a trusted figure, which she allegedly exploited to promote the fraudulent scheme,” the EFCC stated.
The statement further detailed the arrest operation. “When our operatives arrived at the radio station, holding a warrant for Ekoh’s arrest, they identified themselves to the station’s Managing Director, Bamikole Owoyomi, and explained their mission.
“However, a staff member called the Chairman of the station, who ordered that the building’s gates be locked, effectively holding our officers hostage.”
The EFCC added that the situation necessitated a rescue operation. “In response to the unlawful detention of our officers, a rescue team was deployed, leading to the arrest of Owoyomi, Ekoh, and two security guards involved in the obstruction. The operatives acted within the law, and no equipment at the radio station was tampered with.”
Oyewale clarified that Ekoh was not arrested while on air, stressing that “the nature of the fraudulent dealings required a sting operation to ensure her apprehension.”
After being allowed to make a statement at the EFCC Enugu office, Ekoh, along with Owoyomi and the security guards, was released.
“Owoyomi and the guards were arrested for obstructing justice but have since been released after making their statements,” the EFCC added.
The EFCC reiterated its respect for the media as the fourth estate of the realm and a critical stakeholder in the fight against corruption.
However, the commission condemned the actions of the radio station’s staff, stating, “The precipitate and unlawful obstruction of EFCC officers from carrying out their duties is unacceptable.”
The statement concluded by questioning the professional credentials of Ekoh, describing her involvement in the N700 million Ponzi scheme as a grave breach of public trust.
“We call on the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the International Press Institute (IPI) to investigate the conduct of both Ekoh and Urban Radio Enugu in this matter, as it touches on the integrity and ethical practices of the media.”
Meanwhile, the board and management of Urban Radio 94.5FM Enugu have condemned the EFCC’s raid on their office, describing it as a “halt and disruption of our programme.”
In a statement released on Tuesday, the management of the broadcast media also apologized to their listeners for the sudden interruption of its programme.
The statement read, “Once again, we apologise for the unethical break-in of our live studio and the disruption of your favourite programmes. We hope the matter will be resolved as soon as possible, for whatever reasons it occurred.
“The Board and Management of Urban Radio 94.5FM Enugu regret the abrupt halt and disruption of our programme at about 6:35 p.m. this Monday.
“Armed men, identifying themselves as EFCC officers, barged into the studio, interrupted the live programme ‘Prime-Time,’ forcibly abducted our presenters, and confiscated our communication equipment, without disclosing any reasons.”