The Rivers State Police Command has successfully apprehended Joel MBA Okodi, a long-sought individual on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) wanted list. The arrest follows a four-year pursuit related to an alleged N50 million fraud.
The detained suspect, widely recognized as ‘Chief,’ hails from Ikot-Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, and is affiliated with Chismo Resources Limited, Ikot-Ekpene, where he holds the position of Director.
According to a statement released by SP Grace Iringe Koko, the Public Relations Officer of the State Police Command, Joel MBA Okodi stands accused of duping Chief Okosisi of N50 million. The EFCC intervened after Chief Okosisi reported the incident, leading to the suspect’s arrest.
Koko disclosed that during the fraud investigation, Okodi ensnared another victim, Mr. Ochulor Okeokwu, into acting as a surety in the case. In a startling turn of events, Mr. Okeokwu, in a bid to secure Okodi’s release, unknowingly submitted property documents worth N50 million as collateral at the EFCC Office in Port Harcourt. Subsequently, the suspect evaded investigation and remained elusive, rebuffing all attempts at communication.
“On the few occasions when contacted, he vehemently threatened Mr. Okeokwu to refrain from reaching out,” stated Koko.
Mr. Okeokwu, undeterred by the threats, submitted a petition to the Inspector General of Police, who endorsed and forwarded it to the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Rilwan Disu. Taking swift action, CP Olatunji Rilwan Disu mandated Operation Sting operatives to ensure Okodi’s speedy arrest.
The Rivers State Police Command meticulously investigated and located the suspect in Ajegunle, Apapa, Lagos, where he had concealed himself for years. The arrest operation was executed on 18/1/2024 at approximately 2034hrs in Ajegunle, Lagos.
The case is now under the jurisdiction of the EFCC, with Commissioner of Police Olatunji Disu emphasizing that Rivers State is not a sanctuary for criminals and will not tolerate criminal activities.
