Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) stormed Urban Radio 94.5FM in Enugu on Monday evening, disrupting a live broadcast and arresting presenter Favour Eko. The raid occurred at approximately 6:45 p.m. during the station’s ‘Prime Time’ show, causing shock among listeners and staff alike.
Reports indicate that heavily armed EFCC agents overpowered the station’s employees, confiscated their phones, and interrupted the live program. According to a statement released by Urban Radio on Tuesday, the station expressed deep regret over the disruption and offered an apology to its audience.
“The Board and Management of Urban Radio 94.5FM, Enugu regrets the abrupt halting and disruption of our programme on Monday evening,” the statement read. “Armed men identifying as EFCC operatives barged into the studio, interrupted the live program, forcefully abducted our presenters, and took away communication equipment for reasons they refused to disclose.”
The station assured listeners that they are actively following up on the matter and would keep the public informed as details unfold. “We hope the matter will be resolved as soon as possible and for whatever reasons,” the statement added.
However, EFCC spokesman Mr. Dele Oyewale defended the agency’s actions, stating that the operation was conducted to arrest Favour Eko, a presenter accused of involvement in a Ponzi scheme that allegedly defrauded 103 Nigerians.
“Only Ekoh was arrested,” Oyewale clarified, refuting claims that the operatives seized communication equipment. He explained that the presenter had been tracked to the station after repeatedly ignoring EFCC invitations.
The incident has sparked public concern, with many waiting to see how the case will unfold and whether the disruption of the broadcast will lead to further implications for the station.