Claim that the Abia Governor, Alex Otti, obstructed the investigation and prosecution of 59 suspected internet fraudsters by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has drawn his reaction.
The report had said that the governor ordered the release of the suspected criminal youths arrested by the EFCC.
The state government pushed back at the narrative via a statement the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu issued.
Kanu described the report as false and misleading, saying no such incident had occurred either recently or in the past.
The Commissioner added that the report was rehashed from alleged misinformation earlier circulated in May 2025, which he attributed to the opposition.
“The attention of the Abia State Government has been drawn to a sensational and entirely fabricated story making the rounds on social media, alleging that Governor Alex Otti confronted operatives of the EFCC in Aba and ordered the release of arrested youths.
“Let it be stated clearly and for the avoidance of doubt that no such incident occurred in Aba, neither recently nor at any time under the administration of Governor Alex Otti,” the statement read.
He stressed that at no time did the governor pervert the course of justice in any matter and would not obstruct officials from carrying out their lawful duties.
Kanu also dismissed claims that 59 youths were arrested in Aba and being transported to Abuja, adding that at the time the incident was alleged to have occurred, the governor was engaged in official duties elsewhere.
“The idea that a state governor would block an EFCC convoy and issue such directives belongs more to political fiction than reality,” he said.
