Festus Keyamo confirms his relationship with alleged US-based fraudster -

Nigeria’s current Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Festus Keyamo has revealed the form of relationship that exists between him and one of the recently arrested suspected fraudsters in the United States.

The suspect, Jerry Ikogho had been seen with Keyamo in some pictures that have been trending online, causing many to question how the recently appointed Minister must have known him and the deals they must have engaged in the past.

Some social media users were particularly perplexed that Jerry who was the third person on the FBI list could be friends with Keyamo, who consistently negates vices in the country.

The lawyer has now opened up on how he had been friends with Jerry since childhood during an interview with The Cable.

Keyamo revealed that they both grew up as friends and are from the same town . However, Jerry traveled to the US many years back.

He stated, “He is my childhood friend. We were born in the same town (Ughelli). We attended the 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. Wish him well.

“In fact, that picture is even at the burial of the father of the guy on the far right about 8 years ago. The guy is in the same childhood group like all of us. Likewise the guy on the far left, a lawyer, who died at the National Hospital here in Abuja about 5 years ago.”