EFCC Clears Air on Jonathan Okunbor’s Role in Edo State Election Tribunal

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has refuted claims that Jonathan Okunbor, a suspect under investigation for an alleged N6 billion fraud, was a witness in the ongoing Edo State election tribunal.

In a statement released on Wednesday, EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, clarified that Okunbor is not involved in the tribunal as a witness, as previously claimed by Asue Ighodalo, the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Oyewale stated, “The EFCC wishes to state without any equivocation that Okunbor is not a witness of the PDP in the election tribunal, as claimed by Mr. Ighodalo. Rather, he is the prime suspect in a case of alleged misappropriation of funds across all 18 local government areas of Edo State.”

The EFCC revealed that investigations had uncovered that Okunbor allegedly diverted around N6 billion to his company, Kezmith Global Ventures, which was reportedly operated under the false identity of Godfrey Emode. The investigations also showed that Okunbor was linked to the funds through fraudulent activities involving the firm.

Oyewale added, “Ongoing investigations showed that about N6 billion was diverted to Kezmith Global Ventures, which is owned by Okunbor, and he was running the company using the name and identity of Mr. Godfrey Emode.”

The EFCC further disclosed that the arrest of Emode led investigators to Okunbor, who was found at Eterno Hotel during a pre-trial meeting. When the EFCC attempted to arrest Okunbor, Ighodalo’s lawyer confirmed that he was not a witness in the tribunal matter. However, the EFCC agents faced resistance from Ighodalo and others present at the hotel, who attempted to obstruct the arrest.

In response to these attempts to hinder the investigation, Oyewale stated, “Despite resistance from Ighodalo and others at the scene, EFCC officers proceeded with Okunbor’s arrest.”

He clarified that the EFCC’s priority remains to combat corruption, irrespective of any connection to election-related matters. “The EFCC remains committed to the rule of law and will not hesitate to bring anyone to trial, witness or no witness, if there is sufficient cause,” he said.

The EFCC urged the public to disregard the misleading claims and reassured them of the Commission’s unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability in its operations.