Fake Journalist Nabbed for N2m Bribe to Stall $4.5bn PTF Fraud Probe

Eric Patrick

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a 63-year-old man, Ernesto Chukwudum Chukwukamma, for alleged impersonation, extortion, and obtaining N2 million under false pretence to obstruct an ongoing investigation into a $4.5 billion fraud linked to the defunct Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF).

According to a statement released late Tuesday on the EFCC’s official Facebook page, Chukwukamma falsely presented himself as a journalist attached to the anti-graft agency.

He reportedly approached a petitioner involved in the PTF probe, claiming to have damaging information against him allegedly compiled by other journalists within the EFCC Correspondents’ Chapel. He allegedly demanded money to suppress the supposed report and halt the investigation.

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The EFCC further revealed that the suspect threatened the petitioner’s life while demanding financial inducement. Investigations showed that Chukwukamma had already collected N2 million from the petitioner and was arrested while attempting to withdraw the funds.

He will be formally charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

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