The Chief Executive of Innoson Technical Manufacturing Company, Enugu, Chief Innocent Chukwuma was yesterday arrested by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
EFCC operatives stormed the the Savage Crescent, Government Reserved Area (GRA), Enugu residence of Chief Chukwuma around 10-11am, like a military operation, and over-powered some staff of Innoson boss, who tried to put up some defence, before arresting him.
The Innoson boss was arrested over alleged undisclosed financial deals.
But in a quick reaction, Chief Chukwuma said he was arrested because of the case he had with a commercial bank, Guarantee Trust Bank, (GTB).
The operation that led to his arrest was carried out by various armed police officers after an initial resistance mounted by him with the use of trucks belonging to his company.
Apparently learning of his impending arrest earlier, several trucks belonging to his company had been used as early as 7.00am to block the three entrances leading into his Savage Crescent residence GRA.
The development caused several hours of grid lock as road users struggled to move through the adjourning street.
Those who operated businesses around the area could not access their
offices.
It however dawned on the residents that something was amiss few hours later when truck load of operatives of the EFCC who were armed to the teeth stormed the area, cordoned off his residence and started firing teargas.
The situation had led many into scampering for safety including staff of a private radio station located around the area who had reported for the day’s work.
The operatives eventually gained entrance into the compound and arrested their target.
Confirming the incident, EFCC’s Media Officer in Enugu, Mr Chris Oluka, said he did not know why he was arrested.
“They brought him into our office and are taking him to Lagos. Those who arrested him came from Lagos. Nobody has told us why he was picked but I believe it will be made known in due time,” he stated.
The traffic gridlock created around the Crescent street in the GRA were later cleared around 11:30am to ease movement of people, vehicles among
others.
Meanwhile, Chief Chukwuma, who responded to media enquiries through phone calls, said he was surprised at the arm twisting strategy of the EFCC, saying that his arrest was connected with a case he had with one of the commercial banks (GTB) in the country.
Chief Chukwuma claimed that court ruled in his favour and instead of complying to the court ruling, the bank resorted to use of EFCC to “witch hunt” him with the intention of embarrassing, frustrating and frightening him out of court. Ends
