A former minister of aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, in a message, shortly after he left the Lagos office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), claimed he was “never arrested” over forgery allegation as reported in the media.
But in the message which he also shared in a tweet, Fani-Kayode said he was granted bail by the commission on “self-recognition”.
Reports about his arrest for forgery by the EFCC emerged on Tuesday afternoon.
But the former aviation minister maintained claims of being arrested by operatives of the EFCC Lagos zonal command.
“Just arrived at the George Hotel for dinner. I was never arrested by the EFCC.
“I was invited & I flew down to Lagos to see them. I arrived in their office at 2.00 pm & left at 8.30 pm. I was granted bail on self-recognition. They were very polite & professional. Thanks be to God,” the message also read.
He added that “I pity those that said I was arrested. They are filled with hate & live on fake news. Since when did an invitation & a friendly chat become an arrest?
“And even if I had been arrested, SO WHAT? I am not above the law & neither does joining APC give me immunity. My God is MIGHTY!”
His tweet was accompanied by his pictures which he indicated were taken at George Hotel.
But the commission had earlier on Tuesday confirmed the arrest of Mr Fani-Kayode in Lagos over alleged forgery and fraud.
Information gathered revealed that Mr Fani-Kayode was being investigated for forgery of his medical report to evade his ongoing trial for alleged fraud.
The EFCC is prosecuting Mr Fani-Kayode and two others on 17 counts of conspiracy, money laundering, and fraud to the tune of N4.9 billion.
The Federal High Court in Lagos had awarded a fine of N200,000 against the former minister for his absence from court with respect to the alleged N4.9 billion fraud.