NIGERIA; EFCC Denies Involvement with Edo Election Witness, Clarifies N6 Billion Fraud Case

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has on Wednesday debunked claims linking it to interference in an election tribunal witness in Edo State.

This development follows a viral video alleging that Mr. Jonathan Ogunbor, a suspect under investigation for N6 billion fraud, was detained as an election witness.

In a statement signed by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the Commission clearly stated that Ogunbor is not affiliated with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a witness in any election matter. The commission rather emphasized, that Ogunbot is the prime suspect in a large-scale embezzlement case involving the diversion of funds from all 18 local government areas in Edo State.

According to the EFCC, investigations revealed that the diverted funds were funneled into Kezmith Global Ventures, a company owned by Ogunbor but fraudulently operated under the identity of Mr. Godfrey Emode. The discovery of this scheme led to Emode’s arrest, who subsequently led the investigators to locate Ogunbor at Eterno Hotel, where a pre-trial meeting was underway.

Despite a clear legal mandate, EFCC officers encountered resistance at the hotel from Mr. Asue Ighodalo, who claimed Ogunbor was his witness. However, EFCC stated that Ighodalo’s assertions were unfounded, as Ogunbor had no recognized role in the tribunal.

The Commission condemned the obstruction of justice by Ighodalo and reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law.

The statement reads; “The EFCC remains committed to its adherence to the rule of law and the Commission has no business with any Edo State election witness that has no corruption charge before it. The EFCC will not hesitate to bring anyone to trial, witness or no witness, if it has a basis for doing so.”

The EFCC, however, assured the public that Ogunbor will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law in connection with the alleged N6 billion fraud involving Kezmith Global Ventures.

“The public is assured that Ogunbor will be brought to book soon in connection with the alleged N6billion fraud involving his firm, Kezmith Global Ventures.” The Commission emphasized.