Ex-minister granted administrative bail
Senator Iroegbu in Abuja
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) monday commenced the interrogation of former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, over alleged fraud and money laundering.
Fani-Kayode, in response to the commission’s invitation last Friday, arrived at the anti-graft agency’s headquarters in Abuja yesterday at about 9.30a.m.
The former Media Director of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Presidential Organisation, who alighted from a black sport utility vehicle (SUV) in a light-blue traditional attire, waited for one hour before he was ushered in for questioning at exactly 10.30a.m.
“He was ushered in for interrogation at exactly 10.30a.m. but what we are not sure is whether he would be allowed to go home today,” a source close to the former minister said.
Fani-Kayode had last Friday raised the alarm via his facebook page that officers of the anti-graft agency had laid siege on his Abuja home shortly after sending him a letter inviting him for questioning.
He had stated: “Today the EFCC invited me to come to itsoffice on Monday. I have their letter. I agreed to be there. Now they have surrounded my house.
“The letter of invitation was served this morning and it was dated May 6. They said I should report on May 9.”
“Can someone please tell me why they are at my gate? They can’t even wait because they want to detain me so badly and keep me away for the weekend.
“I never refused their invitation. Why all this? I leave them to God,.”
Meanwhile, part of the letter of invitation for the former minister, dated May 6, 2016, and signed by the acting Head, CTGI/Pension Fraud Section on behalf of the Executive Chairman, read: “This commission is investigating a case of criminal conspiracy, fraud and money laundering involving Joint Trust Dimension Limited in which you featured prominently.
“In view of the above, you are requested to kindly report for an interview with the undersigned, scheduled as follows:
“The request is made pursuant to section 38 (I) of the EFCC (Establishment) Act 2004 and section 21 of Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.”
Fani-Kayode who had earlier denied benefiting from the alleged fraud of the arms purchase deal involving the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), also said he was not on the run from the EFCC.
The former Minister of Culture and Tourism was still with the EFCC as at the time of this report.
The former minister was however, later granted administrative bail.
He Fani-Kayode was yet to meet the bail conditions as at the time of this report.
A source who is close to the former minister disclosed the conditions to include “two sure
ties at the directorate level of the federal civil service, and must own houses in Maitaima, Abuja and their international passports.”
