Former Kaduna lawmaker, Shehu Sani, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of freezing his bank accounts and demanding a declaration of his assets.
Speaking on behalf of Shehu Sani, his aide Suleiman Ahmed released a statement on Sunday, January 12, alleging bias on the part of the anti-graft agency. They pointed out that the person who accused Sani of extortion and admitted to giving a bribe has not been detained.
Mr. Ahmed responded to EFCC spokesperson Tony Orilade, questioning the agency’s actions, “Mr Orilade, what is the connection between allegations of extortion of $25,000 and then searching his residence, blocking his accounts and forcing him to declare his assets?”
Ahmed also revealed that Alhaji Samaila Isa Funtua, a close friend of President Buhari implicated in the accusations against Shehu Sani, has not been summoned for questioning.
When contacted by Premium Times, Mr. Ahmed confirmed that Shehu Sani’s GTB account had been frozen. He mentioned that family members attempting to access the account were prevented from doing so since last week.
However, EFCC’s acting spokesperson, Tony Orilade, claimed ignorance on the freezing of Mr. Sani’s bank account, stating that the commission is still investigating the ex-lawmaker.
The statement posed several questions to EFCC spokesperson Tony Orilade regarding their treatment of Shehu Sani’s case.
QUESTIONS FOR EFCC SPOKESMAN TONY ORILADE WHO SAID SENATOR SHEHU SANI HAS A CASE TO ANSWER
1. Why has the EFCC not detained Shehu Sani’s accuser who admitted to giving a bribe?
2. Why has the EFCC not invited Alhaji Samaila Isa Funtua who was mentioned in the frame up against Shehu Sani?
3. What can you say on the allegation that the accuser of Shehu Sani can neither read nor write that it was the EFCC that guided him on what to say?
4. We have in on record that Shehu Sani’s accuser has no pending case with the Supreme Court, how comes did he give Shehu Sani bribe to give the CJN?
5. We have it on record that Shehu Sani’s accuser has no pending or ongoing case with the EFCC, how comes did he give Shehu Sani bribe to give the EFCC or its chairman?
6. The CJN denied the bribe allegations and Shehu Sani denied the bribe allegations, where did Tony Orilade get his fact?
7. It is not enough posting statement about Shehu Sani if you have any evidence or fact why not post it now
8. Mr. Orilade, what is the connection between allegations of extortion of $25,000 and then searching his residence, blocking his accounts and forcing him to declare his assets?
9. You said people defending Shehu Sani are doing it for pecuniary gain, are you defending EFCC for free?
10. Shehu Sani petitioner said $24,000 and you said $25,000, are you the one that added $1,000
11. Mr. Toni Orilade should stop lying and threatening people. If you have any cheque or draft or anything to show please do so