Enugu Couple Accuses EFCC of Reputation Damage Through False Publication

A retired Army Colonel and his wife, Col SS Udeani (rtd), have leveled serious allegations against the Enugu Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), claiming that their reputation has been unfairly tarnished. The couple asserts that the EFCC illegally obtained and published their photograph alongside a false account of a court hearing related to an alleged land fraud case.

In a statement released by Udeani Simon Sunday, a school proprietor and retired Army Colonel, the couple disputes the accuracy of the EFCC’s representation of events in a case involving land fraud. According to the statement, the publication on the EFCC website featured a photo taken at the EFCC Enugu office during their appearance to clarify their side of the case.

The couple accuses the EFCC of presenting them as criminal fraudsters in a charge before Justice AG Umar at the Federal High Court in Enugu on December 4, 2023. Col Udeani contends that the judge later questioned the EFCC counsel, suggesting that the case might be better suited for a civil court. Following this, the judge reversed the bail order and released the couple on self-recognition.

Col Udeani expressed his belief that the EFCC’s publication was a premeditated and malicious attempt to damage his reputation as a decorated military officer who served without blemish for 37 years.

The crux of the matter, as explained in the statement, revolves around a land dispute arising from the Enugu State Government’s revocation of title to the land the couple acquired to expand their school. They emphasize that they are school proprietors, not real estate developers, and had sold a plot to a friend for compassionate reasons. The government’s forcible acquisition of the land affected all legitimate owners, including the couple.

The statement concludes with a stern warning that the couple intends to challenge the EFCC’s actions, asserting their innocence in the matter. They also demand that the media verify the true account of the court proceedings, urging the removal of stories generated and republished from the EFCC website.

The Enugu couple firmly maintains that they have no interest in participating in media sensationalism and call for a fair representation of the facts surrounding the case.