The management of Urban Radio 94.5FM Enugu has alleged that operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) barged into its studio to arrest presenters during a live programme.

In a statement on Tuesday, the station said the invasion occurred at 6:45pm on Monday, during the ‘Prime Time’ programme.

Urban Radio said operatives “abducted” presenters and seized communication equipment without disclosing reasons for their actions.

“Armed men identifying as the EFCC had barged into the studio and interrupted the live program ‘Prime – Time’, forcefully abducted our presenters and took away our communication equipment for reasons they vehemently refused to disclose,” the statement reads.

“Whilst we are following up with the matter, we will continue to inform our dear listeners accordingly through this medium.”

EFCC SPEAKS

Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, told newsmen that the anti-graft agency did not “invade or barge” into the station.

Oyewale said the agency went to the radio station to arrest Favour Ekoh, a presenter, over alleged involvement in a ponzi scheme in which 103 Nigerians were defrauded.

The EFCC spokesperson said only Ekoh was arrested and that operatives did not take away communication equipment.

He added that the agency had on numerous occasions invited Ekoh over, but that she refused to honour these invitations.

“It is not true that our people invaded the station,” he said.

“The lady — Favour Ekoh — was truly anchoring a programme as at the time our people came in.

“But what motivated the arrest was that Favour is allegedly involved in a ponzi scheme, where 103 Nigerians have been defrauded.

“She is a suspect, who is wanted over the investigation of the ponzi scheme.

“She has been invited on several occasions but she did not come. That was why she was traced to the radio station.”

Tinuade, one of the wives of Rashidi Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo state, is dead.

Tinuade died on Monday morning after a brief illness.

She was 71 years old.

In her lifetime, she was an active and influential member of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC).

The church confirmed her passing in a post on Facebook.

Tinuade was a part of the pastor-in-council, the highest decision-making body of the church.

“With gratitude to God for a purposeful life well spent in His vineyard, but with hearts throbbing with pain at our sudden loss, we announce the transition to higher glory of Mother Celestial Tinuade Ladoja, a prominent and devoted member of the Celestial Church of Christ,” Kayode Ajala, CCC worldwide spokesperson, wrote.

“This sad event occurred earlier today after a brief illness. She was aged 71. We await further announcements by her family. May her wonderful soul rest in perfect peace.”

In a heartfelt message during the celebration of her 70th birthday in April last year, the former governor described Tinuade as a supportive and loyal ally.

“My feelings towards you are as it was when we met 40 years ago. I am sure it is mutual today as you have added another year,” Ladoja wrote.

“Just like vintage wine, the older the better.”

The cause of Tinuade’s death was unknown as of press time.

Three people have died in a multiple-vehicle crash at Second Rainbow Bus Stop, along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway in Lagos.

The accident was allegedly caused after an oil tanker suffered brake failure.

The crash, which occurred around 6 pm, involved two commercial buses and a Honda car.

All the victims, who were passengers in one of the buses, died at the scene.

The Lagos state fire service and Lagos state ambulance service (LASAMBUS) were also present at the scene.

Olalekan Bakare-Oki, general-manager of LASTMA, expressed sympathy to the bereaved families.

He urged tanker drivers to “remain vigilant and cautious at all times,” stressing that “speed and safety must never be compromised.”