Fayemi snubs EFCC over money laundering probe, cites Buhari’s book launch
Former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, has turned down an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) over a money laundering investigation.
Newsflash Nigeria reports that the EFCC had sent a letter to Fayemi on May 12, 2023, following a petition from his state.
According to the letter, the Commission said it needed clarifications from Fayemi as part of the investigation.
The letter stated that Fayemi was expected to appear before the EFCC on May 18, 2023, for an interview.
However, Fayemi, through his lawyers, said he would not be able to attend the interview on that date.
He said he had a more important engagement in the presentation and launching of two new books in honour of President Muhammadu Buhari, who he claims to respect and admire.
The two-term ex-governor also said that he had committed himself to other programmes between May 19 and 24 before he received the invitation.
“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 noted.
“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,” said the letter.
The letter added, “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 the 19th of May, 2023 and the 24th of May, 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.”
Mr Fayemi replied to the anti-corruption agency in a letter dated May 15 through his lawyer Adeola Omotunde (SAN), requesting to visit the EFCC’s office for interrogation after the inauguration of President-elect Bola Tinubu.
Mr Tinubu will be sworn in as president on May 29.
“We humbly request that you adjourn the invitation of our client to Tuesday 30th of May, 2023,” Mr Fayemi’s lawyer appealed to EFCC. “We look forward to a positive response from you. Kindly accept our warm assurances in professional regard. Thanks.”
Fayemi served as the governor of Ekiti twice, from 2010 to 2014 and from 2018 to 2022. He is known to be close to Tinubu, a powerful politician in the country.
His invitation by the EFCC over money laundering allegations comes shortly after his predecessor, Fayose, was arraigned by the same agency for an amended 11-count charge of money laundering.
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