EFCC Asks Ex-governor Fayose To Return N1.3Billion

The former governor of Ekiti state on Tuesday, October 16, honoured an invitation by the EFCC over receiving money from Dasuki. 

Fayose honoured the EFCC's invitation few hours after he lost his immunity as governor of the state.

The former governor of Ekiti state, Ayodele Fayose, has been asked to return N1.3 billion he allegedly received from a former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki.

Fayose who honoured an invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was said to have allegedly received from the the said amount through a former minister of state for defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, during the build-up to the 2014 governorship election in Ekiti state.

Punch reports that the former governor was asked to write a statement to explain details of how he spent the N1.3 billion allegedly received from Dasuki.

A source as the EFCC said the former governor is however, denying the receipt of any money from Dasuki through Obanikoro.

"We have treated Fayose with respect since he arrived in our office. We asked him about the money he received from Obanikoro and when he would return it but he is denying everything.

“He said in his statement on oath that he never received any money despite the overwhelming evidence. The man is refusing to cooperate despite the overwhelming evidence we have," the source said.

The money is part of N4.7 billion allegedly handed to Obanikoro by Dasuki after it was transported from Lagos to Ekiti state by air.

Also speaking on Fayose's invitation by the anti-graft agency, Mike Ozekhome - a counsel to the former governor said his client's accounts had already been frozen by the commission and was already in court over the matter.

Ozekhome said Fayose is not like other Nigerians who can be intimidated by the anti-graft agency.

“Which money are they saying he should return? Has he said any money is with him? They won’t dare tell him to return the money.

“Fayose is not like other Nigerians that the EFCC will bamboozle and force and blackmail to make refunds. Why tell a man to refund the money he has not admitted to receiving when the matter is in court?" Ozekhome asked.

“If they offer him an administrative bail with no strings attached, which is not a Greek gift, then he should take it.”

The senior lawyer also asked the commission not to keep his client for more than 24 hours in its facility.

The former governor who was dressed in a Tee-shirt and faze cap with the inscription: “EFCC, I am here”, was accompanied by the governor of Rivers state, Nyesom Wike, who is also a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).