Festus Keyamo, minister of state for Niger Delta affairs, has reacted to a photo he appeared in which is currently trending, showing Keyamo posing with Jerry Ikogho, one of the cyber fraud suspects apprehended by the FBI.
A picture of Keyamo and Ikogho has been trending on micro-blogging site, Twitter, sparking different reactions. Ikhogo is number three on the 77-man list of Nigerian fraud suspects released by the FBI on Thursday, August 22. Keyomo confirmed to The Cable that he and Ikogho were born in Ughelli, Delta state, and grew up as childhood friends.
According to him, the picture was taken in 2011 at the burial of the father of one of the two other men who appeared in the picture. He further explained that Ikogho left Nigeria for the United States about a decade ago. His words: “He is my childhood friend. We were born in the same town (Ughelli). We attended same church from birth. His parents and mine, best of friends, till tomorrow. His siblings and mine too. Only left for the US about 10-12 years ago. “Can’t deny him. It’s a family relationship from birth. He’s from a decent family. Hope they got their facts right. The wife has sent the charge to me. “The authorities clearly stated that he may not have known of the fraudulent schemes, but he helped one or two of them to transfer funds illegally for a fee. And he didn’t declare excess money at the airport.