ENUGU — Urban Radio 94.5FM has accused operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, of invading its studio during a live broadcast on Monday, October 14, 2024, evening to arrest its presenters, prompting a sharp denial from the anti-graft agency.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Enugu-based radio station claimed that EFCC operatives barged into its studio at 6:45 p.m. during its popular ‘Prime Time’ programme.
The station alleged that the operatives “abducted” the presenters and confiscated essential communication equipment without providing any explanation for their actions.
“Armed men identifying as the EFCC had barged into the studio and interrupted the live program ‘Prime Time,’ forcefully abducted our presenters, and took away our communication equipment for reasons they vehemently refused to disclose,” the statement read.
The station assured listeners that it is following up on the matter and will keep the public updated.
However, the EFCC swiftly refuted these allegations.
Speaking to journalists, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale clarified that the operatives were not at the station to disrupt operations but were executing an arrest warrant for a presenter, Favour Ekoh, who is under investigation for her alleged involvement in a Ponzi scheme.
“It is not true that our people invaded the station,” Oyewale said.
“What motivated the arrest was that Favour is allegedly involved in a Ponzi scheme, where 103 Nigerians have been defrauded. She is a suspect, who is wanted over the investigation of the Ponzi scheme.”
According to the EFCC, Ekoh had repeatedly ignored several invitations for questioning, leading the operatives to track her down at the radio station while she was on air.
Oyewale also denied the station’s claims that equipment was seized, insisting that only Ekoh was arrested.
This incident has drawn public attention, sparking debate about the EFCC’s approach and the implications for press freedom.
Urban Radio described the actions of the EFCC as “an invasion” that compromised the station’s ability to broadcast and communicate effectively with listeners.
In contrast, the EFCC maintains that the arrest was a lawful operation carried out to hold Ekoh accountable for allegedly defrauding Nigerians.
The situation underscores the tension between law enforcement and the media, with questions being raised about the appropriate balance between investigative actions and respect for media operations.
It remains unclear whether Urban Radio intends to pursue legal action against the EFCC.
Meanwhile, the anti-graft agency insists that its investigation into the alleged Ponzi scheme involving Ekoh will continue.
