Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose arrived the premises of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC on Tuesday, honouring the commission’s invitation.
Upon his leading to the questioning room, reports says that he was asked to write a statement telling how he spent N1.3bn he allegedly got from the Office of the Former National Security Adviser Col. Sambo Dasuki.
The money was allegedly received via a former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, during the build-up to the 2014 governorship election in Ekiti State.
Reports gathered indicate that Fayose rejected the claim saying he didn’t collect any money as the commission asked him to return it.
A source at the EFCC office said:
“We have treated Fayose with respect since he arrived in our office. We asked him about the money he received from Obanikoro and when he would return it but he is denying everything”
“He said in his statement on oath that he never received any money despite the overwhelming evidence. The man is refusing to cooperate despite the overwhelming evidence we have.”
“Despite the statements made by all these people indicating that Fayose received money, the man is still denying the allegations,” an EFCC detective said
The money in question is reportedly part of the N4.7b Dasuki handed to Obanikoro, with former Osun State senator Iyiola Omisore also implicated.
Fayose had allegedly received N1.3bn and a further N1.3bn handed over to Iyiola Omisore through Obanikoro.
The money which was reportedly moved via air from Lagos to Ekiti has implicated no fewer than 20 people all grilled by the EFCC since the case opened in 2015.
Other people grilled by the EFCC includes bureau de change operators and senior bank executives, Captain Ahmed Borodo, the pilot whose plane was allegedly chartered by Obanikoro;
Aide-de-Camp to Obanikoro, Lt. Olumide Adewale; and Fayose’s aide, Abiodun Agbele (who is standing trial for allegedly receiving the funds on behalf of Fayose).
Fayose’s legal counsel, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), said Fayose’s accounts had already been frozen and that a case challenging that decision is in court.
Ozekhome insisted that his client would not sell out himself in the name of administrative bail.
On the commission’s demand that the ex-governor return the alleged money Ozekhome said,
“Which money are they saying he should return? Has he said any money is with him? They won’t dare tell him to return the money”
Fayose is not like other Nigerians that the EFCC will bamboozle and force and blackmail to make refunds. Why tell a man to refund the money he has not admitted to receiving when the matter is in court?
“If they offer him an administrative bail with no strings attached, which is not a Greek gift, then he should take it.”
Upon his arrival at the EFCC former headquarters at the Tunde Idiagbon House, Wuse 2, at about 1pm, a group of his supporters had caused a scene.
The former Governor wore a blue shirt with the inscription ‘EFCC I’m here’ with his aides also rock inscribed t- shirts to announce his presence.
Aside his Lawyer and aides, he was also accompanied by Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State; former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode; and many supporters.
Fayose’s addressed his supporters present before entering the EFFC’s office.
“I am here in line with my promise that I will be here on the October 16. He said.
“And, as I said to the EFCC, they should await my arrival. This morning, they have been to my house; they cordoned off my street, which I feel was unnecessary. It was unwarranted”
his way into the EFCC, Fayose said, “I am here in line with my promise that I will be here on the October 16.
“And, as I said to the EFCC, they should await my arrival. This morning, they have been to my house; they cordoned off my street, which I feel was unnecessary. It was unwarranted.
“When a man says he is coming, Nigerians should be given benefit of the doubt”
“I had led Ekiti, and the best I could give, I have given. Therefore, every question, whatever they need to ask today, I will be able to respond appropriately.”
Governor Wike insisted that he had followed the man there to ensure his rights were not violated.
Also reacting, Fani-Kayode said the EFCC should remember that their actions were being monitored by the international community and they should not abuse Fayose’s rights.
Fayose’s lawyer insisted that his client should not be held more than 24 hours as it constitutes an abuse to his rights.
Reports gathered on Wednesday indicates that the charimatic ex-governor spent the night in custody of the EFCC.
(PUNCH)
