A former Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, has pleaded with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to allow him present a book in honour of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on May 19, before honouring the agency’s invitation for questioning over money laundering allegations.
In a letter dated May 12, the commission 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 zone commander, Micheal Nzekwe, the EFCC requested that Mr Fayemi appear before it on May 18.
The letter addressed to Fayemi, dated May 12, which was sighted by our correspondent on Tuesday night, 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.”
However, in another document sighted by our correspondent on Tuesday night, the EFCC had invited Fayemi to appear before its Kwara Zonal Command on May 18 for questioning.
But in a follow-up letter through his legal counsel, Adeola Omotunde, SAN, dated May 15, the ex-governor said he is one of the organisers and reviewer of one of the books published in Buhari’s honour.
“Our client is in receipt of 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.”
When contacted, the spokesperson for the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren said he wasn’t aware of the development.
“I am not aware of the development, but I’ll confirm and get back to you,” Uwujaren said.
Fayemi’s lawyer, Omotunde, SAN, did not respond to phone calls and text messages by our correspondent as of press time.
