Ibrahim Magu
EFCC
Tunde
Ibrahim Magu
EFCC
Tunde Ayeni Neither Poisoned Nor Dead-EFCC
The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC has been drawn to a report in Thisday newspaper of Saturday,
February 9 with the headline: “EFCC Has Poisoned Tunde Ayeni in
Custody, Allege Opposition Parties.”
The report according to the author, followed a press release
issued on Friday, February 8, in Abuja by the spokesman of the
Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) CUPP, Mr Ikenga
Ugochinyere, wherein he claimed that “a credible source” revealed
to him that Ayeni was currently undergoing treatment “in an
undisclosed medical facility after he was poisoned in the detention
cell of the EFCC.” Other journalists have called to ask if the
story is true that he was dead.
Given that the intention of this false alarm is to incite public
opinion against the Commission, we found it compelling to state in
no unclear terms that Mr Ayeni upon arrest and conveyance to the
Commission was neither offered food nor drink by our
operatives.
There was also nothing consumable: food, drink or water that was
brought to him within the brief period he was with his
interrogators. When he complained of illness and opted to see a
doctor, which he was promptly obliged.
We also wish to state that so far, there has not been any report
of any dire health condition on Mr Ayeni and it’s likely there
would not be. The public may wish to know that the Commission in
the course of its duties has become conversant with all manners of
theatrics from some suspects who would elect not to cooperate.
It is also our desire to inform the CUPP that as a Commission,
we follow due process, and that we are a law-abiding entity and as
such, will not keep Ayeni longer than required by law. We also give
our word that he will have his day in court as and when due.
It is important at this point that we restate that the
Commission under the leadership of its Acting Chairman, Ibrahim
Magu is well insulated from going-ons in the political space and
that our mandate is well cut out for us by constitution.
We therefore wish to clarify that Ayeni as former Chairman of
the failed Skye Bank has allegations of corruption to thrash out
with us. It was strictly for this purpose that he became our
guest.
Any other consideration outside this is unknown to us. Again,
much as we find the claim of being handed a list of 45 opposition
figures “to invite, arrest, detain and restrain before the opening
of polls on February 16,” as contained in the CUPP release utterly
nonsensical, we note that it is a grave disservice to the country
at this material time for anyone to seek to aggravate the heat in
political space with a reckless rumour such as this from the
CUPP.
We therefore, urge the public not to be swayed by the rumour but
treat it with the disregard it thoroughly deserves.
Tony Orilade
Ag. Head, Medua & Publicity
February 9, 2019