Alleged N4bn fraud: Fayemi refutes report of EFCC probe

The immediate past governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has refuted a report that he is being probed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged N4bn fraud.

Fayemi on Thursday submitted himself to operatives of the EFCC for questioning at the Ilorin office of the Commission. He arrived at the EFCC facility at about 10:00 am on Thursday and was grilled over allegations of N4 billion misappropriation during his tenure.

The former Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) on Friday, in a statement by his spokesperson, Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, however, refuted the claim that he is under EFCC probe.

Sajoh disclosed that Fayemi in company of his counsel visited the EFCC office in Ilorin and engaged in fruitful discussions with the investigators before being allowed to depart after a few hours.

He said during Fayemi’s visit to the EFCC, “no such allegation was raised during his conversation” with officials of the anti-graft agency and that he only responded to a frivolous petition from a group that was trying to soil his good name and image.

“We would like to address the concerns surrounding the invitation and subsequent visit of Dr Kayode Fayemi, the immediate past governor of Ekiti State and former Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, to the Ilorin Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC),” Sajoh said.

“Last month, Dr Fayemi received an invitation from the Ilorin office of the EFCC regarding a money laundering petition against him.

“It was during the height of the preparations for the change of government, with many activities and programmes lined up as part of the event.

“We firmly believe that Dr Fayemi’s visit has provided answers to the agency’s inquiries regarding the petition. However, should there be a need for further clarification, Dr Fayemi stands ready to cooperate fully.

“We wish to note, too, that contrary to the news that made the rounds about a purported N4b fraud case against Dr Fayemi, no such allegation was raised in his conversation with the EFCC.

“All he did was respond to a frivolous petition from a faceless group, the so-called Ekiti Patriotic Coalition, which we strongly believed is a front for some anti-Fayemi politicians, who are trying to soil the former governor’s good name and image.”

He stated that as a key member of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Fayemi was already committed to playing important roles at these events and his non-appearance would have impacted them significantly.”

According to Sajoh, understanding the significance of his commitments at that time, Fayemi duly notified the EFCC of his willingness to co-operate but requested a more suitable date for his appearance.