According to information obtained by the Justice and Equity Forum and shared with SaharaReporters on Thursday, Bagudu has assured Fayemi that since the EFCC Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, is from his state (Ekiti); he could use his influence as the former Governor of the state to truncate the investigation.
A former Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, has reportedly reached out to his colleague in Kebbi State, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, to intervene in the ongoing criminal investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against him (Fayemi) in Ekiti State.
According to information obtained by the Justice and Equity Forum and shared with SaharaReporters on Thursday, Bagudu has assured Fayemi that since the EFCC Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, is from his state (Ekiti); he could use his influence as the former Governor of the state to truncate the investigation.
Writing for the forum, Adetifa Olumide, noted that part of the agenda of the two former governors was to visit the Presidential Villa and table the matter before President Bola Tinubu.
The group wrote, “We of the Justice & Equity Forum, on behalf of all lovers and adherents of justice and the rule of law, particularly in Ekiti, strongly condemn all and any attempt at hobnobbing aimed at undermining criminal investigations ongoing against Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the former Governor of Ekiti State. We firmly believe in upholding the principles of justice, accountability, and transparency, and it is with great concern that we address this issue today.
“Any form of hobnobbing, such as engaging in close social or professional relationships with the intent to protect or shield a suspect from facing legal consequences, poses a significant threat to the integrity and effectiveness of criminal investigations. Such actions obstruct the pursuit of truth, compromise the rights of victims, and erode public trust in the legal system.
“The unverified information reaching us is that the former Governor of Kebbi State, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, has assured Dr. Kayode Fayemi of intervening in the ongoing criminal investigation against him; that the EFCC Chairman is from his state; and that he could use his influence as the former Governor of the State to truncate the investigation. And part of the agenda was the visit to the Presidential villa by Bagudu along with Dr. Kayode Fayemi.
“We humbly call on the President, Asiwaju Bola Ahamed Tinubu (GCFR), not to allow himself to be drawn into the arena of hindering justice by suspects posing for pictures with him in order to intimidate investigators. We equally implore all leaders of thought, law enforcement agencies, and concerned citizens to remain vigilant, support ongoing investigations, and report any instances of hobnobbing that come to their attention. It is only through collective efforts that we can safeguard the integrity of our justice system and ensure that justice is served.
“As an organisation committed to promoting justice and accountability, we will continue to advocate for the rights of the Ekiti people, raise awareness about the importance of independent investigations, and hold accountable those who attempt to obstruct the course of justice.”
SaharaReporters had on June 1 reported that the Ekiti Patriotic Consultative Forum (EPCF) wrote to the EFCC to probe Fayemi for allegedly diverting public funds meant for the construction of the state's abandoned cargo airport and other capital projects.
This was stated in a letter dated May 10, 2023, and addressed to the agency's chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, requesting that the alleged fraudulent conduct of Fayemi and his cronies should be investigated.
These alleged scams include the allocation of fraudulent security votes for himself as governor, contract inflation, money laundering, and the theft of monies intended for the State Universal Basic Education (SUBEB) scheme all to the alleged tune of N20billion.