Our reporter
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has linked Jonathan Okunbor to an alleged N6 billion fraud tied to the misappropriation of funds across all 18 Local Government Areas of Edo State.
Okunbor, a key figure in the ongoing investigation, was reportedly located and trailed by EFCC operatives to a prominent hotel in Benin City on Tuesday, where he was involved in a meeting related to the scandal.
EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday, emphasising that Okunbor, who is associated with Kezmith Global Ventures, is wanted in connection with the alleged fraud. The commission clarified that Okunbor was not a witness for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the Edo State governorship election, despite claims circulating in a video from supporters of the PDP candidate, Mr. Asue Ighodalo.
In the video, Ighodalo’s supporters appear to present Okunbor as a key witness in the ongoing election tribunal, but the EFCC strongly denied this assertion. Oyewale explained that Okunbor was using the name and identity of Mr. Godfrey Emode to run his business and that he is a prime suspect in the misappropriation case involving public funds.
The EFCC further revealed that their investigation led to the arrest of Emode, who is believed to have assisted them in locating Okunbor at the Eterno Hotel. The commission’s operatives were reportedly obstructed by individuals at the hotel, who allegedly prevented them from carrying out their duty.
“The claim that Okunbor is an election witness is entirely false,” Oyewale stated. “His involvement in this case is strictly related to financial crimes, and there is no connection to the PDP’s election tribunal proceedings.”
The EFCC has reiterated its commitment to pursuing the investigation and ensuring that all those involved in the alleged fraud are brought to justice, regardless of any political affiliations.
Get a premium automobile insurance coverage for your vehicle for as low as #15000 only and claim up to #3,000,000 in damages @Zenith Insurance To signup: WhatsApp/Call: +2349028313757
