FBI List: Ikogbo Was My Childhood Friend, I Am Not Involved In Fraud

The Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Festus Keyamo (SAN) has reacted to allegations of being involved in fraudulent activities with a suspected internet scammer, Jerry Elo Ikogho.

Ikogbo, who is a childhood friend of Keyamo is one of the 78 Nigerians indicted in the massive financial fraud case uncovered by the American agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

A photo which surfaced on Sunday had both the minister and the suspect smiling and seemingly have a good time.

READ: FBI:Expect Another Executive Order in Fighting Criminality, Says Presidency

Reracting to the picture which is trending on the social media, Keyamo, who didn’t deny knowing the suspect quickly pointed out that they were only childhood friends.

“He is my childhood friend. We were born in the same town (Ughelli). We attended same church from birth. His parents and mine, best of friends, till tomorrow. His siblings and mine too. Only left for the US about 10-12 years ago.

“Can’t deny him. It’s a family relationship from birth. He’s from a decent family. Hope they got their facts right. The wife has sent the charge to me.”

According to the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), the security agency clearly stated that he may not have known of the fraudulent schemes, but he helped one or two of them to transfer funds illegally for a fee.

READ: Fraud: EFCC Will Fish Out 77 Nigerians Named By FBI – Magu

“And he didn’t declare excess money at the airport. Wish him well. In fact, that picture is even at the burial of the father of the guy on the far right about 8 years ago.

“The guy is in the same childhood group like all of us. Likewise the guy on the far left, a lawyer, who died at the National Hospital here in Abuja about 5 years ago.”

It could be recalled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had placed re alert on the 77 Nigerian suspects on the list.

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