By Nkechi Eze
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a 63-year-old impostor, Ernesto Chukwudum Chukwukamma, for allegedly impersonating a journalist attached to the Commission and attempting to obstruct the ongoing investigation into an alleged $4.5 billion Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) fraud.
The suspect was apprehended for obtaining the sum of ₦2,000,000.00 (Two Million Naira) under false pretence from a petitioner whom he reportedly threatened, promising to kill the investigation in exchange for financial inducement.
According to an official signed statement made available to Newspeg by the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, Chukwukamma presented himself as a journalist working with the anti-graft agency. He deceitfully told the petitioner that he had access to damaging information implicating him in the alleged theft of $4.5 billion during the winding up of the Petroleum Trust Fund, and that other supposed members of a fictitious “Correspondents Chapel” attached to the Commission were ready to publish the story.
To avoid public exposure and potential prosecution, the petitioner was allegedly coerced into parting with ₦2 million, which Chukwukamma claimed was required to suppress the story and stop the purported investigation. The EFCC said the suspect issued a series of threats to further intimidate the petitioner into compliance.
“Chukwukamma was arrested while attempting to withdraw the funds already paid to him,” the statement disclosed. “He falsely claimed to be working with the EFCC and leveraged that deception to perpetrate a criminal scheme involving extortion, impersonation, and interference with the lawful operations of the Commission.”
The EFCC stressed that its investigations have so far confirmed that Chukwukamma has no affiliation whatsoever with the agency. His actions, the Commission noted, were clearly designed to derail the investigative process and exploit a vulnerable petitioner for personal gain.
“This individual not only impersonated a journalist but also misused the name of the EFCC to advance an illegal scheme aimed at undermining a major financial crimes investigation,” the EFCC stated. “His conduct amounts to criminal obstruction of justice and a blatant abuse of public trust.”
The Commission condemned the actions of the suspect as both a crime and a threat to the integrity of its investigative processes. The EFCC emphasized that it will not tolerate any attempt—by individuals or groups—to interfere with, distort, or derail its work through intimidation, impersonation, or bribery.
Upon conclusion of the ongoing investigation, Chukwukamma will be formally charged to court.
The EFCC further called on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals falsely claiming association with the Commission. The agency reiterated that all its staff and affiliated journalists operate within an officially structured framework and that no legitimate official will demand money or offer to terminate investigations for personal gain.
“The Commission wishes to reassure Nigerians of its unwavering commitment to accountability, transparency, and the rule of law in the discharge of its statutory responsibilities,” the statement concluded.
