The Chairman of Brila Media Group, Dr. Larry Izamoje denied allegations against him by former staff of the company that he was unkind to them and did not want them to grow.
Speaking at the 31st Professional Forum titled “Standing Out in Saturated Market” held on 10th June, at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Ogba, Lagos, Dr. Izamoje said the allegations are all lies.
The Chairman said it was a case of some of his ex-workers conspiring against him and his business.
“This is the first time I’m saying this publicly. My ex-staffer came together with different lies because I didn’t allow him leave the organization with the car I got for him, like others left with their car. But i called him laid my hands on him so he can receive the same grace I have.
“But instead, he began to post all sorts of scandals, and other staff joined, while some were employed to join.”
He also said the staff was not happy with the her daughter, Debby taking over as the CEO of the company following his decision to step down from the role.
He said two staff he had given the opportunity to succeed him did not meet up to expectation and he had no choice than to appoint his daughter who has the necessary qualifications and experience having been involved in the operations of the company over the years.
Izamoje said the leakages in the company’s finance noticed by the new management which resulted in the redeployment of some staff did not go down well with those affected.
According to him, some of the of the former staff who were involved in defrauding the organization have been arrested and would soon the charged in court.
The fraud uncovered in 2024 involved the diversion of over ₦150 million through invoice fabrication, unauthorized receipt of payments, and manipulation of the company’s financial systems.
Although the company addressed the situation, expressing its commitment to professionalism, corporate governance, and value creation for stakeholders, it referred the matter to law enforcement agencies, and some suspects were interrogated, with confessions made.
As a result of the financial strain caused by the fraud, Brila FM suspended operations at its Port Harcourt and Abuja branches. The closures were authorized by the company’s founder, Dr. Larry Izamoje, to allow for thorough audits and restructuring efforts aimed at restoring operational efficiency and rebuilding client trust.
A former popular on-air personality at the station was arrested by operatives of the Federal Intelligence Department at the Force Headquarters in Lagos in connection with the alleged fraud.
Investigations suggest that he was part of a cartel comprising ex-staff and external collaborators who orchestrated the diversion of funds over several years.
READ ALSO: How to succeed in saturated media industry – Izamoje
