The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday confirmed it has arrested the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Innoson Group, Innocent Chukwuma.
A tweet by the anti-graft agency said the arrest was over Chukwuma’s refusal to honour its invitation having earlier jumped an administrative bail granted him.
#ICYMI: EFCC today arrested Innocent Chukwuma, popularly known by his company’s name, INNOSON, following his refusal to honour invitation by the Commission having earlier jumped an administrative bail granted him. #Fraud pic.twitter.com/T1P7fg3vO2
— EFCC Nigeria (@officialEFCC) December 19, 2017
The company, however, claimed in a series of tweets that Chukwuma was arrested at his Enugu residence without prior invitation.
It accused GTBank of being behind the arrest, which prompted a protest by staff at the automobile company’s Enugu factory.
GTB Vs Innoson
“illegal Arrest”
Hundreds of factory workers from Innoson factory Emene Enugu protests the illegal bundling of Innoson to Lagos by EFCC organised by GTB. @officialEFCC @gtbank #PMBAt75 .— Innoson Vehicles (@innosonmotors) December 19, 2017
Breaking News: Innoson Vs GTB Gets Messier
Like a commandor style, GTB uses EFFC to storm Innoson Enugu Residential Home to bundle him to Lagos like a common criminal without any prior invitation.@officialEFCC @gtbank— Innoson Vehicles (@innosonmotors) December 19, 2017
Innoson Vs GTB
Armed Police men firing live bullets and gunshots inside Innoson residence. Tens of factory workers critically wounded. @realFFK @benmurraybruce @renoomokri #OLIC #MaxBreakfast pic.twitter.com/xVn7N3Myp3— Innoson Vehicles (@innosonmotors) December 19, 2017
GTB Vs Innoson: Illegal Arrest
Hundreds of factory workers from Innoson factory Emene Enugu protests the illegal bundling of Innoson to Lagos by EFCC organised by GTB. #FreeInnoson @officialEFCC @gtbank #BoxOfficeTuesday pic.twitter.com/xecDUeRYNr— Innoson Vehicles (@innosonmotors) December 19, 2017
“His arrest is in connection with the on-going case he has with GTBank,” spokesperson for the company, Cornel Osigwe, told PREMIUM TIMES on phone.
Mr. Osigwe said his principal was never invited by the EFCC and was not a fugitive from the law.
“He was never invited by the EFCC; we challenge them to come forward with any evidence showing that he jumped bail.
“This is GTBank using federal authorities to persecute an illustrious citizen who has done a lot to improve the economic development of this country, Osigwe said.
A spokesperson for GTBank, Meksley Nwagboh, however, denied the bank’s involvement in the arrest, telling PREMIUM TIMES that if the “EFCC arrested him they will be in the best position to comment on the reason for his arrest.”
