The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is interrogating a former governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, at its zonal command office in Ilorin, Kwara State, over an alleged laundering of N4billion, The PUNCH has learnt.
Reliable sources told our correspondent that Fayemi, who served as governor from 2010 to 2014 and from 2018 to 2022, arrived at the EFCC facility around 9:40 am on Thursday.
Newsflash Nigeria had reported in May 2023 that Fayemi, through his lawyer, Adeola Omotunde, SAN, had asked the EFCC to allow him to attend a book launch in honour of former President Muhammadu Buhari on May 19 before honouring the agency’s invitation for questioning over money laundering allegations.
A source confirmed the development on Thursday, saying, “Fayemi is here with us today. He is being grilled by our operatives over alleged misappropriation of N4bn.”
“His case is not the only one we are handling. There are several other former governors under probe by the commission,” another source added.
The spokesperson for the anti-graft agency, Wilson Uwujaren, declined to comment on the matter when contacted by our correspondent.
“I cannot comment on that, please,” Uwujaren said.
Newsflash Nigeria reports that in a letter dated May 12, which was obtained by our correspondent, the EFCC had asked the ex-Ekiti governor to appear before the head of its zonal command office in Kwara, Nigeria’s North-Central, to answer questions bordering on money laundering activities.
The letter signed by its zonal commander Micheal Nzekwe read, “The commission is investigating a case of money laundering in which the need to seek certain clarifications from you has become imperative.
“In view of this, you are kindly requested to come for an interview with the undersigned through the Head, Economic Governance section. Thursday, May 18, 2023. No. 10 Oko close, off station road, GRA, Ilorin, Kwara State. Time: 10: 00 hours.”
But in a reply letter through his legal counsel, Adeola Omotunde, SAN, dated May 15, which was seen by our correspondent, Fayemi said he was involved in a public presentation and launching of two new books in honour of President Muhammadu Buhari on May 19 and had other engagements till May 24.
“Our client is in receipt of your letter of invitation dated 12th May 2023 for an appointment on Thursday, 18th of May, 2023,” Mr Fayemi’s lawyer stated.
The letter continued, “Our client is engaged on the 18th day of May 2023 as he is preparing for a public presentation and launching of two new books in honour of President Muhammadu Buhari, titled: ‘State of Repair: How President Muhammad Buhari Tried to Change Nigeria For Good’ by Anthony Goldman and ‘The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari’ by Abu Ibrahim slated for 19th May 2023 at the Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja by 10:00 a.m.
“Our client is one of the organisers of the programme and will review one of the books. Our client has also committed himself to other programs between May 19, 2023 and May 24, 2023 before he received your invitation. We regret to inform you that our client will not be able to honour your invitation on the 18th May 2023 against the backdrop of the foregoing information.”
Fayemi’s lawyer could not be reached by our correspondent on Thursday as his phone number was unavailable.
Meanwhile, aside from Fayemi, the EFCC has said it is also investigating former governor of Zamfara and Governor Kogi states Bello Matawalle and Yahaya Bello respectively over allegations of corruption.
Matawalle is accused of awarding phantom contracts and diverting over N70bn while Bello is alleged to have acquired 14 properties both in Nigeria and abroad and N400 million through fraudulent means.
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