The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has summoned the immediate past governor of Ekiti state, Kayode Fayemi, for questioning on money laundering allegations.
In a letter dated May 12, the Commission invited the former governor to appear before the head of its zonal command office in Kwara state, Nigeria’s North Central, for clarification on money laundering activities.
According to a letter issued by its zone commander Micheal Nzekwe, the EFCC requested that Mr Fayemi appears before it on Thursday, May 18.
But in reaction to the EFCC’s invitation, Mr Fayemi says he is preparing for a public presentation and launching of two new books in honour of President Muhammadu Buhari.
The two-term ex-governor also said that he had committed himself to other programmes between the 19th of May, 2023 and the 24th of May, 2023 before he received the invitation.
Mr Fayemi who spoke in a letter dated May 15 through his lawyer Adeola Omotunde, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) also requested that the invitation be adjourned to May 30 2023.
“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 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 am.
“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 the 19th of May, 2023 and the 24th of May, 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.
“We humbly request that you adjourn the invitation of our client to Tuesday 30th of May 2023. We look forward to a positive response from you. Kindly accept our warm assurances in professional regard. Thanks.”
Mr Fayemi had served as governor for two terms. From 2018 to 2022, he was the governor of Ekiti State. He previously served in office between 2010 and 2014 until losing re-election to Ayodele Fayose.
His invitation on allegations of money laundering activities comes on the heels of his predecessor, Ayodele Fayose, who is currently facing an amended 11-count charge of money laundering. The allegations are preferred against the latter by the EFCC.
