Fact Check: Abia Government Denies Blocking EFCC Convoy By Ella Michaels
The claim that the Abia State Government blocked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) convoy in Aba after they arrested more than 59 youths has been disputed. According to Ukoha Njoku, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Alex Otti, the report is "completely fake news".
*The Story Behind the Claim*
A Facebook post claimed that Governor Otti ordered his security team to stop the EFCC convoy and demanded the immediate release of the arrested youths, instructing them to leave Aba at once. The post quoted the Governor as saying, "Aba boys are not thieves or killer herdsmen. No such arrests of my people will happen under my watch. Head back to Sokoto and arrest the Fulani herdsmen, not innocent Aba youths".
*Verification*
However, upon verification, it was discovered that no credible media platform reported the incident. Efforts to reach Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, to confirm or debunk the claim were unsuccessful. The social media handles of the state government also yielded no results related to the story.
*Verdict*
Based on the available information, the claim that the Abia State Government blocked the EFCC convoy and ordered the release of arrested youths appears to be false. The lack of credible sources and evidence supporting the claim suggests that it may be a work of fiction .
