Dr Olu Agunloye who was arrested by EFCC a week ago over an alleged $6 billion fraud related to the controversial Mambilla hydropower project stated after his release that he was innocent of the allegation.
Immediately he was released from EFCC detention he issued a statement saying he would be vindicated at last.
Full Statement reads:
“My spirits are high and had been high all along.
“I am innocent of the charges brought against me by EFCC. I am innocent of the International Arbitration on the Mambilla Project in France.
“I came out of EFCC detention at about midday yesterday, 20th December. I thank God for His mercies and graciousness. I also thank my family members, friends, associates, and God-sent facilitators for their roles and concerns. May God bless them all.
“I am currently battling my health issues, which deteriorated very badly during the incarceration by EFCC.
“Dr Olu Agunloye. 21 December 2023
In another statement issued and signed by one of his associates a veteran journalist Mr Fisan Bankale stated:
“Six days ago, on Sunday night, we put out a public statement for two major reasons.
“First it was to debunk the disclaimer by EFCC that he was on the run or in hiding. We said, factually, that he was in the office of EFCC and more importantly, that he walked in there of his free will. By extension, we argued that the charges of fraud and forgery will not stick, knowing who he is.
“Second, we appealed to the general public for calm and focus and to the EFCC for adherence to best practice centered on the Rule of Law. Also as addendum, we appealed to those who had the powers, to ensure his speedy release.
“With these as background, we wish to inform the general public that Dr. Olu Agunloye was released to his lawyers yesterday afternoon and these are his immediate words after his release:
“We feel the obligation to reach out as we did on Sunday night, this time, to thank God who clearly ordered his steps on this matter and everyone who had a hand in facilitating his release. We acknowledge those who worked the phones doing so anonymously and of course the vociferous, bare-knuckle voice of Prof. Wole Soyinka on this matter.
“His release from detention not withstanding, the Mambilla Power Project, fiasco of billion dollar dimension remains as puzzle riddle, enigma, paradox that MUST be laid bare completely. And so, as Prof. Wole Soyinka said, all players in the making of this fiasco must be identified publicly and brought to book.
“Such a move at this moment provides this government the much needed straw to clutch on to demonstrate its readiness, or otherwise, to rid our dear country of this debilitating problems of corruption hoisted on the german foundation of impunity.
Thank you.
Oluwafisan BANKALE (FNGE, Retired Diplomat)
21 December 2023”
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