EFCC nabs 63-year-old for impersonation, N2m fraud in $4.5b PTF case

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 63-year-old Ernesto Chukwukamma for allegedly impersonating a journalist linked to the agency and fraudulently extorting ₦2 million under false pretences.

According to a statement by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale on Tuesday, the suspect was caught attempting to influence the outcome of an ongoing investigation into a staggering $4.5 billion Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) fraud case.

Chukwukamma reportedly posed as a media operative connected to the EFCC, tricking a petitioner—already under investigation—into believing he could suppress an incriminating report in exchange for money.

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“The suspect fraudulently obtained ₦2 million from the individual with the promise of leveraging his supposed connections to kill the case,” Oyewale said.

The suspect reportedly told the petitioner that members of a supposed correspondents’ chapel attached to the EFCC were in possession of a damaging report alleging that the petitioner stole $4.5 billion during the winding down of the PTF.

He allegedly threatened the petitioner and demanded money to halt further investigations.

The EFCC spokesperson said Chukwukamma was taken into custody while attempting to withdraw the N2 million allegedly collected from the petitioner.

Oyewale said the suspect will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

(TheCable)