An Enugu-based Urban Radio 94.5FM has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of storming its studio to arrest one of its presenters, Favour Ekoh, during a live broadcast on Monday evening.
The incident occurred around 6:45pm during the station’s ‘Prime Time’ programme, according to a statement signed by the Management of Urban Radio on Tuesday.
The station alleged that EFCC operatives, who were armed, “barged” into the studio, interrupted an ongoing broadcast, “abducted” their presenters, and seized communication equipment without explanation.
“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 said. The radio station assured its listeners that it would provide updates as the situation unfolds.
But, in response, spokesperson of the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, denied the radio station’s allegations, stating that there was no invasion or seizure of equipment.
However, Oyewale confirmed that the arrest of the Radio presenter took place during a live show because the suspect had ignored previous invitations by the anti-graft agency over alleged involvement in Ponzi scheme.
He added that the EFCC was acting on an arrest warrant for Ekoh, who is suspected of involvement in a Ponzi scheme that allegedly defrauded 103 Nigerians.
“It is not true that our people invaded the station,” Oyewale said. He clarified that the EFCC only arrested Ekoh and did not take any equipment. He further explained that Ekoh had previously been invited multiple times for questioning, which she failed to attend, necessitating her arrest at the station.
“The lady — Favour Ekoh — was truly anchoring a programme as at the time our people came in. But what motivated the arrest was that Favour is allegedly involved in a Ponzi scheme, where 103 Nigerians have been defrauded. She has been invited on several occasions but she did not come. That was why she was traced to the radio station,” Oyewale added.
The incident has raised concerns over the manner of the arrest and the implications for press freedom, as both parties continue to provide differing accounts of the event.
