The Enugu State chapter of the Guild of Public Affairs Analysts of Nigeria (GPAAN) has strongly condemned the recent invasion of a radio station in the state by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), describing the act as an attempt to suppress press freedom in Nigeria.
On October 14, 2024, officers from the EFCC’s Enugu Zonal Office allegedly stormed Urban Radio, disrupting a live broadcast of the popular program Prime Time and arresting its host, Favour Ekoh, during her show. The incident sparked outrage among media professionals and civil society groups.
In a statement released on October 15, 2024, Ambrose Igboke, Chairman of the Enugu State chapter of GPAAN, criticized the EFCC’s actions, comparing them to tactics used during Nigeria’s dark history of authoritarian rule. Igboke emphasized that the move was a deliberate attempt to intimidate the media, warning that such actions threaten Nigeria’s democratic principles.
“This is reminiscent of the fascist and despotic periods in Nigeria when the government attempted to silence and bully the press. The EFCC has shown once again that despite operating in a democracy, it behaves as though we are still under an authoritarian regime,” Igboke stated.
He acknowledged that while the EFCC has the mandate to carry out investigations, such actions must be done within the framework of established legal procedures. “We recognize the EFCC’s role in fighting financial crimes, but that role must be executed in line with due process and respect for the rule of law,” he added.
However, in a counter-statement, the EFCC denied claims of invading the radio station. Dele Oyewale, the Head of Media and Publicity for the EFCC, clarified that EFCC officers had gone to Urban Radio to invite Ekoh for questioning over her involvement in a N700 million Ponzi scheme. According to Oyewale, Ekoh was under investigation for allegedly defrauding around 50 victims through a scheme known as Life Trading, which was linked to Leverage Index Limited. The scheme promised investors a 10% return on their investments but turned out to be fraudulent.
Oyewale further explained that the EFCC operatives were met with resistance upon arrival at the radio station and were allegedly locked inside the premises by the station’s staff, preventing them from executing their lawful duty. “We went there to invite her for questioning, not to arrest or disrupt any broadcast. Unfortunately, our officers were unlawfully restrained within the radio station,” Oyewale said.
The unfolding drama has drawn national attention, sparking debates on the balance between law enforcement and press freedom. GPAAN has vowed to monitor the situation closely, urging the EFCC to conduct its investigation with transparency while respecting the media’s role in upholding democracy.
As the investigation into the alleged Ponzi scheme continues, both the media community and the general public are left questioning whether the raid signals a broader issue of media suppression, or if it was simply an enforcement effort gone wrong. Either way, this case has highlighted the importance of maintaining a balance between investigative duties and protecting the freedom of the press in Nigeria.
