By Abel Johngold
Amb. Dr. Favour Obakoro, the Senior Special Assistant to Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Morals and Diaspora Affairs and CEO of Vida Modelo Multimedia Company, has made a passionate appeal to the public and relevant authorities after enduring weeks of unlawful detention, alleged bullying, and forced payment of millions of naira to fraudsters.
In an emotional revelation, Obakoro, popularly known as Vida Modelo, recounted how a group of fraudsters, in connivance with political detractors and backed by certain police officers, framed her for financial fraud. This led to her being illegally detained in Abuja for over three weeks. According to her, the police forced her to pay millions of naira to the fraudsters despite having no involvement in the alleged scam.
“I almost committed suicide,” she confessed. “It was too much for me to handle. I woke up one morning, and suddenly, my name was being dragged through the mud worldwide. I want to categorically state that whatever story is out there is 100% false. Nobody ever paid me for a visa using my government office. The claim that I scammed people of over 100 million naira is a complete lie.”
Obakoro explained that her company, Vida Modelo Multimedia, had engaged in lawful financial transactions for over 15 years. The controversy began in 2023 when ERN Partners, a Turkey-based company, sought her services for legitimate international financial transactions.
“My company has always ensured transparency in our dealings. ERN Partners, an Apple developer and online services company, needed to facilitate financial transactions in Nigeria. They reached out to us because of our credibility. We followed due process, verified the transactions, and executed them accordingly.”
However, a year later, Obakoro received a police summons, alleging her involvement in a scam. “I was first contacted by a cybercrime unit officer in Abuja. The call was abrupt, and I was scared because of how things happen in Nigeria. When I finally got a formal message, I honored the invitation, believing in the rule of law.”
Upon arriving in Abuja, Obakoro was confronted with accusations that money was paid into her company’s account. Despite presenting receipts and evidence of the legitimate transactions, she was detained for over three weeks under what she describes as harsh and unjust conditions.
“I was bullied, tormented, and forced to make payments I had no business with. The police officer in charge, along with my investigating officer, were unfair in their handling of my case. Even after proving my innocence, they insisted I must refund money to people I had never met.”
She further revealed that one of the main accusers, Barry Duckman, refused to attend police meetings but was actively spreading defamatory statements on social media. “When I finally came out of detention, I saw all the damaging publications against me. It was terrible. I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy.”
Obakoro is now calling on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Interpol, and other anti-fraud agencies to conduct an independent and unbiased investigation into the allegations against her.
“I have suffered severe emotional and financial trauma due to this injustice. My life is under threat. The comments on my social media pages are terrifying. I am appealing to the authorities to ensure a fair investigation. If justice is not served, I am ready to take legal action against the Nigeria Police for wrongful detention and defamation.”
She concluded by challenging those accusing her of using her government office to scam people. “I am a Senior Special Assistant, but I do not have a vote or budgetary power. How can I exploit government resources? I challenge anyone with evidence of such to come forward.”
Obakoro’s story highlights the need for thorough and impartial investigations in cases involving financial disputes. As she fights to clear her name, the public and human rights organizations are urged to ensure that justice prevails and that similar incidents do not occur in the future.