The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC ) has said it
was unaware of the sealing of multiple residential properties
allegedly purchased by the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, in
the Ikoyi area of Lagos State , using state funds when he was
governor of Kwara State .
Unconfirmed reports , which emerged yesterday , had it that aside
sealing off the properties ; the residents / occupants were directed to
report to the commission ’s zonal office along Awolowo Road , Ikoyi
today . A certain Mohammed Rabo signed the letter of invitation .
When The Guardian contacted the acting Head, Media and Publicity
of the commission , Toni Orilade , he said , “ I don ’t know about the
sealing of property belonging to the Senate President because I have
not been briefed on any such development .”
On whether Saraki was still being investigated , Orilade answered in
the affirmative .
Last week, the commission said it had opened a fresh investigation
into Saraki’ s stewardship as Senate President, as well as a probe of
his earnings as Kwara State ’s helmsman between 2003 and 2011.
Meanwhile, Saraki’ s media team said the latest affront by the EFCC
is the height of mischief aimed at settling scores. A statement signed
by Yusuph Olaniyonu, Special Adviser (Media and Publicity ) to the
Senate President, Bukola Saraki said : “ Our attention has been drawn
to the fact that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
(EFCC ) has marked certain property belonging to Senate President,
Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki , obviously under the claim that they are
subjects of investigation .
“ The action of the EFCC only reinforced our earlier stated position
that their current investigation is mischievous, contrary to the
tenets of the rule of law and only aimed at settling scores. This
position is founded on the fact that these same buildings were the
subject of earlier investigations by the EFCC , as well as the case
initiated by the Federal Government at the Code of Conduct
Tribunal. Also , the case went all the way to the highest court in our
country , the Supreme Court of Nigeria. In that case , Dr . Saraki was
discharged and acquitted because the courts believe the government
has no case.”
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