EFCC’s Radio Station Raid Sparks Outrage Over Press Freedom, Due Process

By Tony Onyima*

Enugu, Nigeria: The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has come under fire after arresting radio presenter Favour no Ekoh during a live broadcast at Urban Radio, 94.5 FM, in Enugu.

The arrest, described by the EFCC as a “sting operation,” has raised serious concerns about press freedom, procedural integrity, and the agency’s commitment to transparency.

While the EFCC claims the arrest was conducted without disrupting the broadcast and that no equipment was damaged, witnesses report the “Prime Time” programme being abruptly halted at 6:35 pm.

This, coupled with the fact that Ekoh was taken from her workplace by force, has sparked widespread criticism of the agency’s methods.

Critics argue that the EFCC’s actions could be perceived as an attempt to intimidate media personnel, particularly when Ekoh is accused of involvement in a Ponzi scheme, rather than a serious crime.

The EFCC’s justification of a “sting operation” to prevent her escape has been met with scepticism, as the agency could have waited for Ekoh to conclude her presentation and apprehend her as she exited the station.

The EFCC’s statement also attempts to shift blame onto Urban Radio, requesting investigations into the station’s conduct by the International Press Institute (IPI) and Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ).

This move has been widely condemned as an attempt to divert attention from the EFCC’s questionable actions and to discredit Urban Radio.

Furthermore, the agency’s claim that Ekoh’s professional credentials are “questionable” has been criticized for preempting due process and undermining her right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty.

This incident has sparked widespread concern about the EFCC’s respect for the rights of media practitioners and the broader issue of law enforcement’s relationship with the press.

The public and media community are demanding increased transparency and accountability from the EFCC, emphasising the need for agencies to operate within legal boundaries and to respect the crucial role the media plays in a democratic society.