James Sowole
29 September 2008
Akure — Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has released the Accountant General of Ondo State, Mrs Folake Ogunnika, who was arrested last Thursday, sequel to a petition that her office was being used to grant N1billion unsecured loan to political office holders.
EFCC's Director of Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Babafemi, who confirmed the release, however, said she was given an administrative bail.
He said EFCC had summoned the Commissioner for Finance, Chief Tayo Alasoadura and four directors from the ministry.
A government source, however, said Ogunnika regained freedom from custody of the anti-graft agency because she was not indicted, and was released after having satisfactorily answered questions asked her.
Reacting to the development, Chief of Staff to the governor, Mr Femi Agagu, said EFCC presence in the state was for administrative purpose.
According to him, officials of the EFCC had visited the state on several occasions, but could not indict any of the officials.
He said, "The EFCC has come to Ondo State for over 20 times, inviting government officials on many occasions, but the fact that none of them had been indicted is a pointer to the fact that the state government is prudent and transparent.
"Writers of the petition were also given car loans when they were in government serving under Olusegun Agagu, so, I don't know the reasons for the noise over this one. It should also be noted that the state House of Assembly has already approved the move," he said.
Agagu also said government was not aware of the invitation said to have been extended to Alasoadura and four directors of the Finance Ministry.
The five officials are expected to appear before the investigative panel of the anti corruption agency in continuation of investigations into the N1 billion unsecured loan.
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