The Managing Director of Excel Optoelectronics Company Limited, Ambassador Emmanuel Shoon, has denied reports alleging that he was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), describing the claims as false and damaging to his reputation.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja, Shoon expressed disappointment over reports claiming that he was arrested in Rivers State and taken to Abuja, insisting that no such incident occurred.

According to him, the reports were inaccurate and should have been properly verified before publication.

“I was shocked to read reports claiming that I was arrested in Rivers State and brought to Abuja. That never happened,” Shoon said.

He added that he could not remember the last time he visited Rivers State and maintained that he was never arrested by the anti-graft agency.

Shoon said he only became aware of the alleged arrest through media reports. He explained that weeks later, he received an invitation from the EFCC, which he honoured voluntarily.

“I read about my supposed arrest in the media. Some weeks later, I received an invitation from the EFCC and appeared before the commission voluntarily,” he said.

The businessman said the reports had affected his personal and business reputation, adding that several local and international partners contacted him after seeing the publications.

“I have to protect the name my father worked so hard to build. I am a businessman, and I also have children who bear this name. I cannot allow what I consider false reports to destroy my reputation,” he added.

Shoon called on the EFCC to investigate the circumstances surrounding the publication of the reports and urged media organisations to uphold professional ethics by verifying information before publication.

He also alleged that the publication was part of an attempt to tarnish his image, stressing that he would continue to pursue lawful means to protect his reputation, family name and business interests.