Why Brila FM Suspended Operations in Port Harcourt and Abuja
Brila FM, Nigeria’s premier sports radio station, has suspended operations in its Port Harcourt and Abuja branches due to an alleged multi-million naira fraud orchestrated by senior officials of the organization.
An investigation into the organized corporate theft within Brila Broadcasting Services Limited has led to the arrest of Engr. Sam Victor Mpong Akakan, the Head of the Port Harcourt branch, and the former Chief Accountant, Ekerete Sunday.
According to an insider, Engr. Akakan, with malicious intent, allegedly registered a separate business entity, Bricast Communications, two months after Brila FM commenced operations in Port Harcourt. The name was crafted by taking the first three letters of "Brila" and the word "Cast" from "Broadcasting."
It is alleged that Akakan, in collaboration with others, issued fraudulent invoices under Bricast Communications to Brila FM clients, diverting payments meant for Brila FM into Bricast accounts. He is also accused of forging Brila FM’s broadcast certificates and presenting them to clients, including churches, while posing as a Brila FM marketer. Payments for advertisements and sponsored programs aired on Brila FM were funneled into his personal Bricast account.
The scale of the fraud is estimated to exceed ₦200 million, severely affecting the financial health of the Port Harcourt and Abuja branches. As a result, the Group Chairman, Dr. Larry Izamoje, authorized the suspension of operations in both branches, citing dwindling revenues and an inability to meet operational needs.
The Lagos State Police Command, with a remand warrant from the Igbosere Magistrate Court sitting in Tinubu, is currently conducting a full investigation. Reports indicate that Akakan has made a confessional statement and is pleading for leniency.
As investigations deepen, authorities expect to apprehend more members of the alleged fraud syndicate, who are believed to have benefited from the scheme.
This development underscores the ongoing efforts by Brila FM to address internal irregularities and protect the integrity of its operations.
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