Innoson Motors Boss, Innocent Chukwuma Rejects EFCC bail

Innoson Group chairman, Chief Innocent Chukwuma had initially rejected the bail granted him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission [EFCC].

Chief Chukwuma rejected the bail, demanding to know why he was arrested by the EFCC on Tuesday ab initio.

He initially refused to leave their premises because the Commission did not officially communicate to him why he was arrested like a common criminal.

 “You can’t come and pick me like a criminal only to ask me to go without telling me why you arrested me on the first place”, Chukwuma told operatives of the EFCC on Wednesday after his release.

His company also confirmed the development on micro-blogging site, Twitter, saying its Chairman demanded to know the reason for his arrest.

Elombah.com gathered that GTB is already on their knees following the massive withdrawals and closing of accounts yesterday.

Innoson Group had categorically denied that Dr Innocent Chukwuma (Innoson) was invited by the Commission or was there any time or that he jumped an administrative bail granted by the EFCC. 

This was contained in a statement issued by the Head Corporate Communications of Innoson Group, Mr Cornel Osigwe.

According to Mr Osigwe, “Dr Chukwuma (OFR) is a law abiding citizen, a public figure and a well-known industrialist of international repute. 

“There is no how he would be invited by the EFCC and he would ignore or refuse to honour the invitation.

He further told Nigerians who has stood and supported Dr Innocent Chukwuma in no small measure during his unjust detention by the EFCC the truth and their own side of the story.

He wrote:

1. First and foremost, We reiterate that EFCC’s claim that they invited Dr Innocent Chukwuma (INNOSON) and he refused to honour same invite as false. 

We urge them to show Nigerians dated proof that he was duly invited by the Commission. Dr Chukwuma is a man of impeccable character and a law abiding citizen. He will never disrespect or disregard a constituted authority. 

2. The Commissions claim that that Dr Chukwuma resisted arrest is laughable. His residence was raided at 5am. They don’t expect him to run out and hand himself to whoever it was that came for him. 

He waited to be sure about the identity of the people that invaded his premises before coming out. Dr Chukwuma has nothing to hide or be afraid of.

3. EFCC alleged that Dr Chukwuma hired Six truck-loads of thugs to manhandle operatives of the Commission. This is preposterous. 

The people that invaded Dr Chukwuma’s residence were armed to the teeth. How can people without arms attack fully armed operatives of the commission?

The supposedly thugs are well meaning Nigerians who are making an honest living from Innoson Group. 

They merely came to protest and show solidarity to their Chairman who was about being whisked away in a gestapo styled arrest.

The commission also claimed no single shot was fired despite the provocation. This is a figment of their imagination. 

This is a clear deviation from the truth. Innocent protesting workers were tear-gassed. We have images to back up this claim.

4. The Commission said Dr Innocent Chukwuma and his Brother Mr Charles Chukwuma is being investigated for forgery. 

Can they show Nigerians a dated Petition to them and from whom the petition came from?

5. Finally, We would like Nigerians to know that we have a dispute with Guarantee Trust Bank which arose from a business deal that went wrong. 

This case is on final appeal at the Supreme Court. We won’t want to comment on this because it will be subjudice to do so. 

We implore everyone to wait till The Judiciary which remains the final arbiter to adjudicate and give their judgement in this matter.

We have been harassed and extremely provoked as a company since this issue arose but we have kept faith in our Legal system. 

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