The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is currently grilling the immediate past governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, over an alleged money laundering of N4 billion.

It was gathered that the EFCC is interrogating Fayemi at its command office in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

The probe is said to be connected to the handling of funds during his tenure as governor of Ekiti State.

Fayemi was governor of the state from 2018 to 2022 and handed over to Governor Biodun Oyebanji in June 2022.

The anti-graft agency had, in a letter dated May 12, 2023, invited the former governor to appear in its Kwara office on May 18 over allegations bothering on money laundering and misappropriation of public fund.

The commission in a letter by ACE 1 Michael Nzekwe stated: “The commission is investigating a case of money laundering in which there is need to seek certain clarification from you has become imperative.

“In view of this, you are 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. Time: 10:00 hours.”

Fayemi had, however, written the commission seeking to delay his invitation over the allegation.

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Responding through his lawyer, Adeola Omotunde, in a letter dated May 15, Fayemi said he was one of the organisers and a reviewer of one of the books published in former President Muhammadu 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.

“Our client is one of the organisers of the programme and will review one of the books,” the letter read in part.

It is believed that the anti-graft agency gave heed to the request of the former governor but immediately went into action after swearing-in of President Bola Tinubu.

The Star recalls that Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle, in May 2023, disclosed that the EFCC chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, sent invitations to all outgoing governors and commissioners in a bid to commence an investigation for alleged corruption and abuse perpetrated by them while in office.

This led to a rift between Matawalle and Bawa after the governor accused the EFCC boss of being corrupt, especially in the agency’s handling of assets disposal and plea bargain processes.

He added that the EFCC chairman should extend the planned probe to the officials of the Presidency and members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

Reacting, the anti-graft agency said Matawalle’s outburst was tantamount to corruption fighting back, noting that the governor is under investigation for alleged corruption that bordered on contract fraud and diversion of funds meant for the execution of projects in the Local Government Areas of Zamfara State to the tune of N70 billion.

The Star