The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) reportedly released Nigeria’s former Senate President, Bukola Saraki on Saturday evening on bail.
This was disclosed by a source, who pleaded anonymity at the commission on Sunday morning.
According to him, Saraki, who was queried over links to alleged misappropriation of funds, was released on bail late on Saturday.
What Saraki is saying about the arrest
Saraki’s media aide, Yusuph Olaniyonu, explained that his principal visited the EFCC office in Abuja “of his own volition.”
He stated, “The Media Office of Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki will like to confirm that this afternoon, Dr Saraki of his own volition visited the office of the EFCC to clarify any issue that the commission may want to raise with him,” the statement read.
“It will be recalled that following the order of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on the Fundamental Human Rights case filed by Dr Saraki during the period of the former chairman of the EFCC which precluded the commission from investigating him until the matter is dispensed with, the commission at the last hearing on July 14, 2021, pleaded with the judge that the order was preventing them from doing their job.
“Following this complaint, Dr Saraki, as a responsible citizen, on his own volition approached the commission that at the earliest convenient date, he was willing to visit the commission’s office and clarify all issues they might want to raise with him.
“He, therefore, visited the commission’s office this afternoon and answered some questions. He is back home. He was not arrested. Dr Saraki also assured the commission that he has nothing to hide and will always make himself available to clear all issues that may require his attention.”
In case you missed it
Nairametrics reported on Saturday that the former Governor of Kwara State was arrested by the EfCC over allegations of theft and money laundering.
The agency said:
“Mr Saraki is to answer questions over alleged theft and laundering of public funds using a network of cronies and proxy companies.
“The suspected proxies, who executed purported contracts for Kwara State under Mr Saraki, allegedly made returns, for many years, to the former governor, forming an organised network of dirty money flow.”