EFCC Denies Involvement In Arrest Of Edo Governorship Tribunal Witness

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has denied claims of involvement in the arrest of a witness at the Edo State governorship election petitions tribunal.  

Dele Oyewale, EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, clarified on Wednesday that the agency has no interest in any tribunal witness unless corruption charges are involved.  

The statement came after a viral video alleged that EFCC operatives raided a hotel in Benin City to arrest Dr. Asue Ighodalo, a witness for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the September 2024 Edo State election.  

Oyewale explained that the agency was investigating Jonathan Okunbor for allegedly diverting N6 billion meant for Edo State’s 18 local government areas through his company, Kezmith Global Ventures. 

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Investigators traced Okunbor to a hotel where he was reportedly attending a pre-trial meeting.  

Contrary to claims, Oyewale stated, “Okunbor is not a PDP witness but a suspect in a corruption case. The EFCC has no business with any tribunal witness unless a corruption charge is involved.”  

He added that Ighodalo and others at the hotel obstructed EFCC officers, falsely claiming Okunbor was a tribunal witness to prevent his arrest.  

The EFCC assured the public of its commitment to the rule of law and promised to hold Okunbor accountable for the alleged N6 billion fraud.