The Abia State Government has issued a strong rebuttal to a viral social media report alleging that Governor Alex Otti personally intervened to stop an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operation in Aba.
Government Labels Report as Fabricated
In a statement released on 9 January 2026 and made available to the press, the state's Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, categorically denied the incident ever took place. The report had claimed that Governor Otti confronted EFCC operatives and ordered the release of 59 youths allegedly arrested for financial crimes and being transported to Abuja.
Kanu described the narrative as "sensational and entirely fabricated." He stressed that no such confrontation or arrest occurred in Aba, neither recently nor at any time since Governor Otti assumed office.
A Recycled Tale from Opposition, Says Commissioner
The Commissioner revealed that this was not a new story but a recycled falsehood. "The story was a recycled fabrication earlier circulated in May 2025," Kanu stated, directly blaming opposition elements for spreading the misinformation to mislead the public and discredit the state administration.
He further clarified the Governor's whereabouts, noting that at the time the alleged incident was said to have happened, Governor Alex Otti was engaged in official duties at a different location, making the social media claims physically impossible.
No Interference with Federal Agencies
Emphasizing the administration's respect for the rule of law, Commissioner Kanu asserted that Governor Otti has never interfered with the operations of any federal law enforcement agency, including the EFCC. He stated unequivocally that the governor would not obstruct officials from performing their lawful duties.
"The idea that a state governor would block an EFCC convoy and issue such directives belongs more to political fiction than reality," Kanu remarked dismissively.
He urged residents of Abia State and the general public to completely disregard the report, characterizing it as mere propaganda. The commissioner concluded by reiterating that the Otti administration remains focused on its core agenda of rebuilding the state, strengthening public institutions, and delivering measurable progress. He advised citizens to always seek out verified facts from official channels and distinguish them from malicious misinformation.
