FACT CHECK: Old picture showing Fubara declared wanted by EFCC trending on social media 

There’s a viral picture on social media, particularly on different WhatsApp groups showing that the incumbent governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). 

The picture is being circulated alongside an EFCC flier suggesting that the governor and other 58 persons are being wanted by the anti-graft agency for N435 billion fraud.

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SolaceBase however, discovered that the picture is an old image as findings show that the announcement was made in 2022. 

At the time when Fubara was declared wanted by EFCC, he was the Accountant-General of Rivers State during the Nyesom Wike’s administration.

He and some others, were wanted for suspected multibillion naira fraud, alleged criminal conspiracy, money laundering, misappropriation of public funds, and abuse of office.

“Operatives of the Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, were on Tuesday, June 7, 2022, prevented from arresting one Sim Fubara, a suspect under the watch-list of the Commission, by thugs who breached the security of the Port Harcourt Airport, Omagwa, Rivers State,” EFCC statement read at the time. 

“The armed thugs assaulted operatives of the commission who demonstrated commendable restraint under extreme provocation. The commission condemns the blatant attempt to obstruct justice, warning that its civility should not be taken for granted.”

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Fubara was later defended by the Wike who threatened to sue EFCC. Months later, Fubara got elected and became the governor of Rivers State.