EFCC Denies Involvement with Edo Election Witness, Clarifies Fraud Investigation

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has refuted claims linking it to an election witness in the Edo State tribunal, emphasizing that its focus is on investigating allegations of corruption.

In a statement issued by the Commission’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the EFCC addressed a viral video suggesting that Mr. Jonathan Ogunbor, a suspect under investigation for alleged misappropriation of N6 billion, was a witness for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the ongoing election tribunal. The Commission categorically stated that Ogunbor is not a PDP witness but a prime suspect in a corruption case involving the diversion of funds from all 18 local government areas in Edo State.

The investigation revealed that the funds were funneled to Kezmith Global Ventures, a company operated by Ogunbor under the guise of another individual’s identity, Mr. Godfrey Emode. EFCC investigators, during their probe, arrested Emode, who subsequently led them to Ogunbor at Eterno Hotel, where a pre-trial meeting was underway.

According to the EFCC, attempts to apprehend Ogunbor were obstructed by Mr. Asue Ighodalo and others at the hotel. Despite Ighodalo’s claims that Ogunbor was his election tribunal witness, investigators established that he had no formal role in the tribunal matters. The Commission criticized Ighodalo’s actions, accusing him of attempting to shield Ogunbor from lawful arrest.

The EFCC reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law and clarified that it has no involvement with election witnesses unless they are implicated in corruption. The Commission assured the public that Ogunbor would face justice for his alleged role in the N6 billion fraud involving Kezmith Global Ventures.

The statement concluded by emphasizing the EFCC’s resolve to bring anyone implicated in corruption to justice, regardless of their status.