Former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has denied claim that he was under probe by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged N4bn fraud.
Dr. Fayemi was invited from the Ilorin office of the EFCC regarding a money laundering petition against him during the change of government at the centre. The invitation had created rumour that the former Governor was under probe for misappropriation of public funds.
“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,” head of Fayemi media office, Abuja, Mallam Ahmad Sajoh said in a statement.
Sajoh said that when Fayemi visited the EFCC office, no such allegation was raised during his conversation with officials of the anti-graft agency.
He said the response was to attend to a ‘frivolous petition from a group that was trying to ruin’ his name and image during the conversation with the officials of the EFCC in Ilorin, Kwara State.
Sajoh who described Fayemi as a key member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), said he was already committed to playing important roles at the event and his non-appearance would have impacted them significantly.
“Understanding the significance of his commitments at that time, Dr. Fayemi duly notified the EFCC of his willingness to cooperate but requested a more suitable date for his appearance,” he stated.
Sajoh said Fayemi was accompanied by his counsel on the visit to the EFCC office in Ilorin, and engaged in fruitful discussions with the investigators before he was allowed to depart after a few hours.
“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,” he stated.
