EFCC, Agagu trade claims over OSOPADEC petitions
From Emeka Anuforo (Abuja) and Bertram Nwannekanma (Lagos)
AMIDST widespread reports that he was arrested and detained yesterday by the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja, over allegations that he misappropriated about N25 billion of the Ondo State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (OSOPADEC) while in office, former Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Agagu, last night described the reports as false.
He told The Guardian: "There are some petitions by some Labour Party chieftains that the OSOPADEC which was a novel idea I pioneered while in office was only used to siphon money. I have been asked to comment on the petition previously I have done as procedure demands.
"I was not arrested. I was not quizzed", he added.
He also denied reports that he was about to leave the country on account of the petitions.
"I am not in Australia, London or anywhere. I am here and I have no reason to run away", he said, laughing.
But EFCC sources said yesterday that the erstwhile governor was accosted and quizzed at about 8.00 a.m. in Abuja.
Head, Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Femi Babafemi, confirmed the questioning.
Another source at the EFCC told The Guardian: "We are investigating him over OSOPADEC funds running into N25 billion. Our investigations are on-going."
Agagu was until last week Tuesday the governor of Ondo State before the Court of Appeal, Benin City, upheld the nullification of his April 2007 election by the Ondo State Election Petitions Tribunal, chaired by Justice Garuba Nabaruma. Dr. Segun Mimiko was declared the winner of the appeal and has been sworn-in as the governor.
