Police confirm arrest of Sylva’s aide over ‘false comments’

The Bayelsa State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Jonah Okah, speechwriter to former Governor Timipre Sylva.Okah, who was arrested Wednesday, is accused of posting false comments on Facebook, claiming to have had a conversation with a Government House accountant, Richard Etonye, over the loss of $4.6million purportedly belonging to the state governor, Seriake Dickson.

He was arraigned at Magistrate Court 7, Yenagoa, presided by Pere Bossa. The case was adjourned to September 20. Okah is to be remanded in prison.Okah’s ordeal began when Richard Etonye, the man alleged to have absconded with the sum of $4.6 million, petitioned the police through his lawyer.

“Okah claimed he had discussed with Richard on phone and that he confessed to have absconded with the sum of $4.6 million belonging to the state government. He neither discussed with Okah as claimed nor absconded with any money belonging to Bayelsa State government.”

Etonye asked Okah to publish an apology in two national and two local newspapers with a copy addressed to the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN).“The allegation of stealing and absconding made against me by Mr. Jonah Okah has subjected me to terrible shock, psychological trauma, low professional self-esteem and robbed me of the goodwill I have laboured hard to earn over the years. It was a maliciously crafted propaganda designed to impugn my person, reputation and profession as a chartered accountant,” he said.