by Alabi Usman
The EFCC is to arraign Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani Kayode on new charges of fraud on Nov 10.
This was disclosed by the EFCC’s spokesman, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren through a text message in Abuja on Tuesday, He said that the commission had already served the former minister with court processes, he did not give further details.
You would recall that Fani Kayode was re-arrested by EFCC operatives while emerging from a Federal High Court room in Lagos on Friday. He is standing trial alongside a former Minister of Finance, Nenandi Usman, one Danjuma Yusuf and a company, Joint Trust Dimension Nigerian Limited
They are facing trial on a 17-count charge of money laundering to the tune of N4.9 billion, a charge they denied. According to reports, the prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, had concluded the witness’ evidence for the day, and the case adjourned till Nov. 14 and Nov.15 for continuation of hearing. But as the accused emerged from the courtroom, he was flanked by two EFCC operatives who led him into a waiting bus and whisked him away. He has been with the EFCC since then.
The question is when would the EFCC give us a case with proper investigation and irrefutable evidence; why the media publicity if the EFCC had not thoroughly done its home work. The EFCC must understand that it influence the perception the people have on the anti-corruption war and shape their opinion on issues of graft. Hence it is important that the EFCC is thorough in its investigation and be sure to have incriminating evidence to nail their suspects.
We cannot win the war against corruption if we don’t begin to get convictions, if those perpetrating frauds are not punished.
When would EFCC gets its first high profile convict under, your bet is as good as mine. But let us here your view on this, leave your opinion or send us a mail on contact@ymonitor.org