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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, explained that Jonathan Okunbor is not a witness of former Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo. EFCC disclosed that Okunbor is a prime suspect connected to a case of misappropriation of funds involving 18 local government areas in Edo State. On
Edo: We’ve no business with Ighdalo’s witness, Okunbor prime suspect of fraud – EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, explained that Jonathan Okunbor is not a witness of former Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo.

EFCC disclosed that Okunbor is a prime suspect connected to a case of misappropriation of funds involving 18 local government areas in Edo State.

On Tuesday, DAILY POST reported that suspected EFCC officials allegedly stormed a hotel in Benin City to arrest a person suspected to be a member of the PDP in the state.

The 22 second video posted by Mr Oseni Rufai, one of Arise TV’s analysts on his official X handle, that went viral voices of some persons were heard shouting he should not be arrested.

The people were also demanding for a valid Warrant of Arrest from the suspected EFCC officials.

According to one of the voices, “he dey here since. Let me tell you eh. You can’t take him away. Show us a valid Warrant for you to arrest him. Arrest is a legal word. If you have a valid Warrant you can. That’s all.”

But a member of the party, who pleaded anonymity said EFCC wanted to arrest Ighodalo.

The source said officials of the anti-graft agencies came to a hotel owned by a PDP chieftain to arrest one of the party star witnesses ahead of the January 15, 2025 tribunal sitting.

However, EFCC’s spokesman, Dele Oyewale said Okunbor diverted about N6 billion through his company.

A statement by Oyewale reads:”The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has been drawn to a trending video insinuating that Jonathan Okunbor, a suspect being investigated for an alleged N6 billion fraud, was an election witness.

“The Commission wishes to state without any equivocation that Okunbor is not a witness of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the election tribunal as claimed by Asue Ighodalo. Rather, he is a prime suspect connected to a case of misappropriation of funds involving all the 18 local government areas of Edo State.

“Ongoing investigations showed that about N6 billion was diverted to Kezmith Global Ventures owned by Ogunbor. The suspect was running the ventures using the name and identity of Mr Godfrey Emode.

“The Commission’s investigators, in their quest to unearth the shadiness of Ogunbor, arrested Emode who led them to the suspect in Eterno Hotel where a pre-trial meeting was being held.

“Investigators interrogated the counsel to Ighodalo on the status of Ogunbor in the election tribunal matters and he clearly stated that he was not a witness in the matter.

“In spite of this, Mr Ighodalo and his co-travellers at Eterno Hotel prevented EFCC officers from carrying out their constitutional duty and obstructed them from arresting Ogunbor. Specifically, Ighodalo insisted that Ogunbor was his witness when it was obvious that he only wanted to aid his escape from the Commission’s investigators.

“The EFCC remains committed to its adherence to the rule of law and the Commission has no business with any Edo State election witness that has no corruption charge before it. The EFCC will not hesitate to bring anyone to trial, witness or no witness, if it has a basis for doing so.

“The public is assured that Ogunbor will be brought to book soon in connection with the alleged N6 billion fraud involving his firm, Kezmith Global Ventures.”

Edo: We’ve no business with Ighdalo’s witness, Okunbor prime suspect of fraud – EFCC

The Nigerian Army has warned against the use of social media to fuel insecurity in the country. The commander of the Nigeria Army Cyber Warfare Command, Major General A.A. Ayanuga, gave the warning in Lokoja during the 38th edition of the Nigerian Army Social Media Seminar themed “Cultivating a Culture of Security Awareness Through Social
Misuse of social media fueling insecurity in Nigeria — Army

The Nigerian Army has warned against the use of social media to fuel insecurity in the country.

The commander of the Nigeria Army Cyber Warfare Command, Major General A.A. Ayanuga, gave the warning in Lokoja during the 38th edition of the Nigerian Army Social Media Seminar themed “Cultivating a Culture of Security Awareness Through Social Media.”

According to him, the reckless sharing of harmful messages, videos and voice notes through social media is jeopardising Nigeria’s peaceful coexistence.

“Social media has evolved into a powerful tool that profoundly influences the security landscape of societies worldwide. As we navigate the vast expanse of social media, we must recognise the transformative power.

“Social media has democratised information, connected us across borders, and provided unparalleled opportunities for self-expression. However, this freedom comes with immense responsibility and challenges such as misinformation and disinformation, cyberbullying, online harassment, hate speech and divisive rhetoric, impersonation and identity theft, with their effects on national security.

“It is critical to understand that misuse of social media to propagate damaging narratives has severe consequences for national security,” he said.

The Chief of Civil Military Affairs of the Nigerian Army, Major General N.C. Ugbo, who was represented by B.S. Keji, maintained that social media is a critical aspect of asymmetric warfare being fought in contemporary times.

He said: “The Nigerian Army recognises the importance of social media in shaping public perception and influencing national security. It presents an invaluable opportunity for those who recognise the transformative capabilities of social media to connect and collaborate.

“That is why we are here to explore ways to harness social media’s potential, counter misinformation, and promote national unity. As we delve into the world of social media, let us remember that our actions online have far-reaching consequences for national security. Therefore, we must use social media responsibly, preserving truth, respect, and national interest.”

In his address, the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, who was represented by the State Security Adviser, Commodore Jerry Omodara, argued that, as much as social media has the potential to be a force for good, its misuse cannot be ignored.

Continuing, he said: “We must acknowledge the ever-growing role social media plays in shaping perceptions, guiding public discourse, and driving action on important issues like national security.

“The same platforms that enable the rapid spread of life-saving information can also be harnessed to propagate falsehoods, fuel divisions, and escalate tensions. This, as we all know, can have dire consequences for the stability of our communities and our nation as a whole.

“Security awareness is a collective responsibility, one that requires constant engagement, education, and collaboration across all sectors of society. We must understand that social media is not just a space for personal interactions but a global stage for conversations that influence real-world outcomes.

” This makes it imperative for us to cultivate a culture of security awareness that equips our citizens, especially the youth, with the right knowledge to distinguish between fact and fiction, to recognise credible sources, and to understand their role in maintaining peace and security within their communities.”

Misuse of social media fueling insecurity in Nigeria — Army