Fayemi breaks silence on EFCC probe into N4bn fraud

Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who formerly served as governor of Ekiti State, has denied the claims that he is the subject of an investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding an alleged fraud involving N4 billion.

In a statement released on Friday, June 2, by the Head of the Fayemi Media Office in Abuja, Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, the former chairman of Governors’ Forum disclosed that during his visit to the EFCC, no such allegation was raised as he engaged officials of the anti-graft agency in conversation.

The statement, on the other hand, highlighted the fact that all Fayemi did during the interaction with the officials of the EFCC in Ilorin, Kwara State, was respond to a frivolous petition from a group that was attempting to sully his good name and image.

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The following is an excerpt from the statement that was released: “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.”

“In the course of the past month, Dr. Fayemi was extended an invitation by the EFCC office in Ilorin to discuss a money laundering petition that had been filed against him. It was during the busiest time of the preparations for the transition from one government to another, with a tonne of events and activities scheduled to take place as part of the occasion.

“A key member of the APC, Dr. Fayemi was already committed to playing important roles at these events, and his absence would have had a significant impact on how they went. Dr. Fayemi, who was aware of the significance of his obligations at the time, dutifully informed the EFCC of his willingness to cooperate but asked for a more convenient date for his appearance.

According to the statement, Fayemi went to the EFCC office in Ilorin on Thursday, accompanied by his counsel. He participated in fruitful discussions with the investigators before being allowed to leave after a few hours.

In addition, it stated, “We are confident that Dr. Fayemi’s visit has provided answers to the agency’s questions concerning the petition.” Nevertheless, in the event that additional clarification is required, Dr. Fayemi is prepared to cooperate in every way possible.

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“We wish to note, as well, that contrary to the news that made the rounds about a purported N4 billion fraud case against Dr. Fayemi, no such allegation was raised in his conversation with the EFCC. This is something that we would like to bring to your attention.

“All he did was respond to a frivolous petition from an anonymous group known as the so-called Ekiti Patriotic Coalition,” which “we strongly believed was a front for some anti-Fayemi politicians who are trying to sully the good name and image of the former governor.”

The statement went on to elaborate and make clear that Fayemi served the people of Ekiti State with the utmost dedication throughout his entire term as governor and was known for his principled leadership.