The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has invited a former Governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari, for a fresh round of questioning.
Recall that Yari, a former Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), had in February faced several hours of questioning by the agency’s operatives over corruption allegations.
The former governor was questioned by detectives at the Lagos office of the EFCC over an alleged attempt to illegally move N300 billion from a corporate account in a new generation bank.
Sources said Yari gave a lengthy statement to the commission’s operatives before he was released late in the evening of February 3.
However, fresh indications have emerged that the former Zamfara governor might be asked to return to the EFCC office for further interrogation.
A copy of a fresh invitation letter dated April 6, 2021 which was reportedly served on the former governor, asking him to appear at the Sokoto office of the EFCC on Thursday, was obtained by Premium Times.
It could not be confirmed if Yari, who has been previously accused by the EFCC of diverting proceeds of Paris Club refund, is being invited over the same allegations he was questioned for at the Lagos office of the commission in February.
But the fresh invitation letter signed by the EFCC’s Director of Operations, Abdulkarim Chukkol, indicated that Yari’s interrogation would centre on allegations of “conspiracy, diversion of public funds and money laundering”.
The letter with reference number CR: 3000/EFCC/SKS/DOPS/VOL.1/87 appealed to Mr Yari for his cooperation over the invitation.
The invitation letter titled, ‘INVESTIGATION ACTIVITIES: LETTER OF INVITATION’, reads, “The commission is investigating an alleged case of conspiracy, diversion of public funds and money laundering in which the need to obtain certain clarifications from you has become imperative.
“In view of the above, we kindly request your presence for an interview with Zonal Head of Sokoto as follows:
“Venue 7, Super Quarters, off Sama Road, off Tsafe Road, Sokoto.
“Date: Thursday, 8 April 2021.
“Time: 1100hrs prompt.
“Your cooperation in this regard is highly solicited, please.”
