The Abia State Government has officially dismissed viral social media claims that Governor Alex Chioma Otti confronted officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Aba and ordered the release of arrested suspects. In a statement released on Thursday, the government described the report as a “sensational and entirely fabricated” narrative designed to mislead the public and stoke confusion.
According to the statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, no such incident occurred — either recently or at any point during Governor Otti’s tenure. The government urged citizens to ignore the misleading story, which alleged that the governor had stopped EFCC operatives from carrying out their statutory duties and ordered them to release 59 youths detained for alleged financial crimes.
“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 Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Aba and ordered the release of arrested youths,” the statement said. “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.”
Officials emphasised that the governor has never obstructed or interfered with the lawful activities of the EFCC or any other federal law enforcement agency. They highlighted that the allegations resurfaced despite having been previously debunked when similar claims circulated last year. The government also noted that the reappearance of the narrative indicates an attempt by oppositional elements to misrepresent facts and damage the credibility of the administration.
The statement underscored that the EFCC, as a federal anti-graft agency, operates under clearly defined legal frameworks and that the idea of a state governor blocking its convoy and ordering the release of suspects was inconsistent with established constitutional order. It further stressed that at the time the original claim purported to have occurred, Governor Otti was verifiably engaged in official state duties elsewhere.
Abia’s information ministry accused the purveyors of the rumours of recycling old misinformation that had earlier been dismissed, warning that continuous dissemination of falsehoods undermines public trust in governance and institutions. The government reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability and the rule of law, emphasising that the administration engages with federal agencies through lawful channels, not public spectacle or confrontation.
In closing, the government urged residents to be discerning consumers of information and to rely on verified channels for news. It reaffirmed its focus on delivering tangible development outcomes for Abians, noting that no amount of recycled falsehoods will distract from the state’s progress and efforts to build confidence in public institutions.
This clarification from the Abia State Government comes amid heightened sensitivity around law enforcement and political narratives in Nigeria, where misinformation can rapidly gain traction on digital platforms. In this context, officials stressed the importance of distinguishing between verified facts and manufactured reports.
