EFCC Arrests Fake Journalist for Allegedly Obstructing $4.5bn PTF Fraud Investigation

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested one Ernesto Chukwudum Chukwukamma, 63, for alleged impersonation, extortion, and obtaining money under false pretences in a case involving the investigation of a purported $4.5 billion Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) fraud.

Chukwukamma was apprehended for allegedly posing as a journalist affiliated with the EFCC and attempting to influence the course of an ongoing investigation. He is accused of threatening the life of a petitioner and collecting the sum of ?2,000,000 (Two Million Naira) from the individual, falsely claiming he could stop the investigation into the alleged $4.5 billion fraud.

According to investigators, the suspect claimed that journalists from a Correspondents Chapel covering the EFCC were in possession of a report implicating the petitioner in the alleged misappropriation of $4.5 billion during the winding down of the Petroleum Trust Fund.

The suspect was arrested while attempting to withdraw the funds extorted from the petitioner. He is expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.