Unic Press UK: Innoson Vehicle founder, Innocent Chukwuma, who was arrested by the EFCC on Tuesday, has been released from custody, a statement on the website of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) reports.
Excerpts from the statement which was signed by the Head Corporate Communications at Innoson Group, Cornel Osigwe, reads:
“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. 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. 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? 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 implore everyone to wait till The Judiciary which remains the final arbiter to adjudicate and give their judgement in this matter.” (Innoson Group: 20 Dec. 2017)
Reactions on Twitter:
How can the same EFCC that has not arrested Babachir, a proven thief, or Maina who was given security, now go and arrest Innocent Chukwuma the founder of @innosonmotors, the only Nigerian manufacturing made in Nigeria cars? Is it a sin to be a 5 percenter in Buhari’s Nigeria?
— Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) December 19, 2017
“How can a commercial transaction between a client and his bank lead to the involvement of @officialEFCC and his arrest. @officialEFCC is engaging in a self care package, we must say NO to this kind of impunity”- Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.
— The Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) December 20, 2017
I find the arrest of Innocent Chukwuma truly troubling and demoralizing for Nigeria’s business environment. @innosonmotors is the only Nigerian car manufacturer. The job of government should be to do everything in its power, within the law, to promote them and build their morale.
— Ben Murray-Bruce (@benmurraybruce) December 19, 2017
In other countries, Banks helps #Entrepreneurs to grow… But in Nigeria @gtbank frustrates the growth of Entrepreneurs #FreeInnoson
— Izunna Okpala (@uzi_an) December 19, 2017
Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (Innoson Motors) is a manufacturer of automobiles. Its manufacturing plant is located in Nnewi – one of the major commercial hubs in the southern part of Nigeria. The company was founded by Innocent Chukwuma. In July 2017, the company entered into an agreement with Mali for the supply of 400 automobiles. The company’s vision is to be Africa’s most preferred automobile brand.
An Interior View of the IVM SUV model by Innoson Vehicle
IVM UMU by Innoson Vehicle
