EFCC asks Fayose to return N1.3bn
The immediate past Governor of Ekiti State , Ayodele Fayose , finally honoured an invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Tuesday after losing his immunity from prosecution and arrest.
After leading Fayose to the interrogation room , it was learnt that he was asked to write a statement explaining how he spent N 1. 3bn he allegedly received from the Office of the National Security Adviser through a former Minister of State for Defence , Senator Musiliu Obanikoro , during the build -up to the 2014 governorship election in Ekiti State .
The commission also asked him to return the money.
A source at the EFCC , however , told our correspondent that the former governor refused to admit to collecting the money.
He 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. ”
It was learnt that as of 7 pm on Tuesday, the former governor was still writing his statement .
The funds allegedly traced to Fayose were said to be part of the N 4. 7bn allegedly handed to Obanikoro by the then National Security Adviser , Col . Sambo Dasuki ( retd . )
While about N 1. 3bn was given to Fayose , another N 1. 3bn was also handed over to the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Osun State in 2014, Senator Iyiola Omisore .
The funds were said to have been transported from Lagos to Ekiti State by air.
Since the investigation began in 2015, the EFCC has interrogated over 20 persons .
Apart from Obanikoro and Omisore, others interrogated by the EFCC include 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 ) .
Others interrogated include bureau de change operators and senior bank executives .
“ Despite the statements made by all these people indicating that Fayose received money , the man is still denying the allegations , ” an EFCC detective said .
However, Fayose ’ s lawyer , Chief Mike Ozekhome ( SAN) , said Fayose would not compromise himself in the name of administrative bail .
Ozekhome said Fayose ’ s accounts had already been frozen by the commission and was already in court over the matter .
On whether Fayose would return the money as demanded by the EFCC, 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. ”
Earlier in the day, before entering the EFCC premises , Fayose and scores of his supporters had created a scene at the entrance of the commission.
Fayose , who wore a blue shirt with the inscription , ‘ EFCC , I am here ’ , and a blue pair of trousers with a blue face – cap to match, arrived at the Tunde Idiagbon House, Wuse 2, which is the former headquarters of the EFCC , around 1 pm.
The former governor , who clutched a backpack and a small duffel bag, was accompanied by Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State ; a former Minister of Aviation , Chief Femi Fani -Kayode ; his lawyer , Chief Mike Ozekhome ( SAN) , and several of his aides and supporters.
Addressing reporters before making 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. ”
Also speaking , Governor Wike said he accompanied Fayose in order to warn the EFCC to respect his rights .
Wike added , “ He wrote a letter to the EFCC that he will submit himself on October 16. He is hale and hearty and I believe that EFCC should know he is well. Our fear from the present report that we have is that he may be harmed.
“ But, let Nigerians know that he came by himself to the EFCC without anybody harassing him . So , that is why I brought him here today . ”
In his remarks, 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 .
Ozekhome asked the EFCC not to keep Fayose for more than 24 hours as failure to release him would be an abuse of his rights.