The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday took the immediate past President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, into a brief custody in connection with the ongoing investigation into how a N17billion bond was spent during his tenure as Kwara State governor.
He was also grilled on alleged diversion of N9billion fraud by his successor as governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed.
Ahmed, who was finance commissioner during Saraki’s tenure as a governor, had earlier been interrogated by the EFCC.
The cash was allegedly diverted between 2011 and 2019.
Saraki was expected to explain projects executed with the N17 billion bond during his tenure. The bond was obtained in 2009 .
According to a source in EFCC, Saraki was brought to the commission at about 2.30pm. He was however let off last night.
Saraki said he was asked by the EFCC to come after he attended a wedding reception in Abuja.
He said there was no big deal honouring an invitation by a state agency.
“He is being quizzed in respect of the N17billion bond and the ongoing probe of alleged diversion of N9billion during the tenure of ex-Governor Ahmed,” the source said.
“In the course of interacting with the ex-governor (Ahmed), some issues cropped up and it is important Saraki is investigated.
“We have been on this case since December 2020 and we have reached a convenient bend to invite Saraki.
“On this same case, a former Commissioner for Finance under Ahmed, Ademola Banu has been arraigned for alleged fraud.
“Banu was put on trial alongside Travel Messenger Company Limited and one Olarewaju Adeniyi, on nine counts before Justice Babangana Ashigar of the Federal High Court, Ilorin, Kwara State.”
The source said the EFCC had conducted a comprehensive investigation into the N17billion bond which has generated issues among Kwarans.
The source said:” We have a report on the N17billion but we want Saraki to clarify all allegations since he was the one in charge.
