The zonal command office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, in Ilorin, Kwara State capital is currently interrogating the former governor of Ekiti State, and former Chairman Nigeria Governors Forum Dr Kayode Fayemi, over an alleged money laundering of N4 billion.
Nigeriacrime.com learned from sources at the Commission that the former governor arrived at the EFCC facility at about 7.47 am on Thursday.
However, Journalists were barred from getting official information on the development from EFCC office in Ilorin as the Security guards at the gate said that the commission did not give Journalists any appointment.
But another source at the commission who craved anonymity confirmed to journalists that the ex-governor was at the zonal command of the anti-graft agency located on Oko Close, Off Station Road, Ilorin in Kwara for interrogation over alleged fraud.
According to the source, “EFCC is interrogating the former governor over allegations of misappropriation of N4 billion and money laundering”.
The probe is said to be connected with the handling of funds during his tenure as governor of Ekiti.
Fayemi was governor of the state from 2018 to 2022 and handed over to Gov. Biodun Oyebanji in June 2022.
Meanwhile, a senior officer of the EFCC who sought anonymity also confirmed the quizzing of the ex-governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Fayemi at the Ilorin Zonal office of the agency in Ilorin.
He, however, said, ” As you are talking to me now, ex-governor Fayemi is still at our office answering some questions on the alleged N4 billion fraud”.
Recall that in May 2023, Fayemi, through his lawyer, Adeola Omotunde, SAN, pleaded with the EFCC to allow him to present a book in honour of the former President, Muhammadu Buhari, on May 19, before honouring the agency’s invitation for questioning over money laundering allegations.
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.
According to the letter issued by its zonal commander Micheal Nzekwe, the EFCC requested that Mr Fayemi appears before it on May 18.
The letter reads, “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’re 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 follow-up letter through his legal counsel, Adeola Omotunde, SAN, dated May 15, Fayemi said he was one of the organisers and reviewer of one of the books published in Buhari’s honour.
“Our client receives your letter of invitation dated 12th May 2023 for an appointment on Thursday, 18th of May, 2023,” Mr Fayemi’s lawyer noted.
The letter reads, “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.”