Victor Ezeja
The Guild of Public Affairs Analysts of Nigeria (GPAAN), Enugu State Chapter, has condemned an alleged invasion of Urban Radio, Enugu, and the arrest of Presenter Favour Ekoh.
It was alleged that operatives of the EFCC went to the radio station on Monday, 14th October 2024 and arrested the presenter while she was still presenting a live programme.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIn a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr Ambrose Igboke, and Secretary, Dr. Chikezie Obasi, the group said the manner in which EFCC carried out the operation is “reminiscent of the fascist, despotic and dark era in Nigeria’s history where all efforts were made to intimidate, harass, bully and silence the media.”
According to the group “The EFCC has, again demonstrated, that though we are in a democratic dispensation, it continues to operate as though we are in authoritarian government.”
The Guild said while the anti-graft agency has the statutory duty of carrying out arrest of any suspect of financial crime it should be done in line with laid down rules of engagement.
“The arrest of a journalist, while on a live programme, is an affront on free speech and an attempt to cow journalists. It is a huge infringement on journalistic practice which is guaranteed under the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the Guild said.
READ ALSO: EFCC’s Urban Radio Arrest Raises Press Freedom And Procedural Integrity Concerns
It called on EFCC to investigate the matter and discipline the erring officers. It stressed that the media has consistently collaborated with the EFCC in fighting financial crime, adding that “The actions of overzealous officers of the Commission might jeopardize this mutual relationship if necessary actions are not taken.”
However, the Commission has denied invading the Urban Radio.
In a statement by the EFCC, Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, said its operatives only visited Urban Radio to invite Favour Ekoh, who is host of a Prime Time, a programme at the station over an alleged N700 million Ponzi scheme fraud involving about 50 victims which is being investigated by the Enugu Zonal Directorate.
The Commission claimed that its operatives who had a warrant of arrest for Ekoh, were locked inside the premises on the order of the chairman of the Radio Station, forcing the operatives to call for a rescue team which eventually came and arrested MD of the station, Bamidele Omoyomi, Ekoh and the two security guards who locked them within the premises.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
