EFCC re-arrests ex-aviation Minister, Fani-Kayode

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday, re-arrest the former Minister of Aviation, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode.

Mr. Fani-Kayode was on Friday arrested by operatives of the anti-graft body, as he left the Federal High Court premises in Lagos.

On May 9, 2016, the former Aviation Minister, Mr Femi Fani-Kayode honoured the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He arrived at the headquarters of the anti-graft agency in Abuja on Monday morning in a police convoy.

The EFCC operatives had laid a siege to Mr Fani-Kayode’s residence on Friday but later withdrew after almost six hours.

Officers of the EFCC had visited his Maitama home at about 10:00am local time, inviting him for questioning on Monday, May 9, only to return at midday with armed men, seeking his arrest.

The EFCC said it was carrying out its functions, claiming that Mr Fani-Kayode had a case to answer over the Peoples Democratic Party’s election funds.

Mr Fani-Kayode said he was surprised at the turn of events after he had promised to show up with his lawyer on Monday.

He was the Director of Publicity for former President Goodluck Jonathan and PDP’s campaign Organisation before the general election of 2015.

On July 15, 2016, Mr Fani-Kayode was released from EFCC custody after meeting his bail conditions.

He was released at about 6:30pm in Lagos on Friday after over two months.

The former Aviation Minister, shortly after his release told Channels Television, “I give thanks to God that I am free after 67 days in detention.

“This was the worst experience of my life but God was with me all the way. I suffered immeasurably but I count it all as joy.

“I am innocent of all charges and I look forward to defending myself vigorously in court. These charges are politically motivated and I have been severely punished for my political views and criticisms of the government.”

Mr Fani-Kayode was arrested by the anti-graft agency over alleged 1.5 billion Naira fraud and has been charged alongside a former Minister of Finance, Nenadi Usman; a firm, Joint Trust Dimensions Limited; and one Jimoh Yusuf.

The Federal High Court had granted bail in the sum of 250 million Naira each, to Mr Fani-Kayode, Nenadi Usman and Danjuma Yusuf who are being tried by the EFCC for allegedly stealing and laundering about 4.9 billion Naira.