The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says its operatives have arrested a 63-year-old suspect for alleged impersonation and extortion under false pretences to influence investigation into a $4.5 billion Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) fraud.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Dele Oyewale, spokesperson of the EFCC, said the suspect, Ernesto Chukwukamma, was arrested for allegedly posing as a journalist affiliated with the commission.

Oyewale said Chukwukamma deceived a petitioner to part with N2 million, with a promise to help suppress a report implicating him in the alleged PTF fraud.

The suspect reportedly told the petitioner that members of a supposed correspondents’ chapel attached to the EFCC were in possession of a damaging report alleging that the petitioner stole $4.5 billion during the winding down of the PTF.

He allegedly threatened the petitioner and demanded money to halt further investigations.

The EFCC spokesperson said Chukwukamma was taken into custody while attempting to withdraw the N2 million allegedly collected from the petitioner.

Oyewale said the suspect will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

[TheCable]