Date Published: 12/21/09

Editor,

EFCC on Akwa Ibom Government

An online publication, www.saharareporters.com , had reported that when it got across to EFCC’s media chief, Mr. Femi Babafemi, in connection with the $3.1million, which according to The Guardian on Sunday December 6, 2009 was being couriered for a Southern governor by a female Deputy General Manager of one of the recently rescued banks.

Some unacceptable theories are being concocted now with probably the aim of sweeping this money laundering case under the carpet. This includes arm-twisting Bank PHB to accept ownership of the cash. Can Bank PHB convince the public on the rationale of trying to freight such a huge foreign currency in cash from Lagos instead of procuring same in Abuja, which is more convenient? Bank PHB story should be seen as an afterthought. 

What other evidence does EFCC need to know that the $3.1million was a case of money laundering; a matter that falls within its purview? EFCC should remove the toga of ‘selective prosecutor’ that most people have taken it to be. The crime was detected in Lagos on November 11, 2009 at the Lagos (Arik Air wing) airport. It was reported that the courier and the cash were detained for about two weeks at a Lagos Police Command Station before being transferred to the Police Headquarters in Abuja for further investigation. Unfortunately for the EFCC this case involves a governor who was once allegedly accused of giving a SUV Jeep to the EFCC Chairman; therefore EFCC should also cease the opportunity to clear this. The money is said to be cash meant to settle some security and anti-graft agencies.

Chief Efosa Fredrick, Ikpoba Slope, Benin.