Akinterinwa voluntarily reported to the EFCC in Abuja. He was taken into custody for quizzing
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested and detained one of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirants in Ondo State, Mr Wale Akinterinwa.
Akinterinwa was the Commissioner for Finance during the tenure of the late ex-governor of the state, Rotimi Akeredolu.
He is being held in connection with the ongoing investigation of his tenure in the state executive cabinet.
Akinterinwa served as commissioner for over seven years until the State Executive Council was dissolved by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who succeeded the late Akeredolu.
The anti-graft agency is investigating the aspirant alleged mismanagement of billions of Naira, a reportedly source said.
Although Akinterinwa participated at the weekend direct primary from detention, EFCC said the timing of detention was at its discretion and choice.
It was gathered that Akinterinwa was invited some weeks ago by the EFCC for interaction on some allegations, but was “allegedly too busy” to honour the invitation.
He, however, showed up at the anti-graft commission’s office on Thursday.
It was learnt that EFCC decided to be silent on the detention in order not to jeopardise his chances in the APC primary.
A source, who spoke in confidence was quoted as saying: “In the past few weeks, the EFCC invited Akinterinwa for interrogation on the red flag on some issues during his tenure as Commissioner for Finance. But he has not been forthcoming.
“The commission had the option to declare him wanted, but it exercised restrained to avoid being dragged into politics because he was an aspirant for the APC governorship primary.
“But Akinterinwa voluntarily reported to the EFCC in Abuja. He was taken into custody for quizzing.”
The source speaking further yesterday, said: “Akinterinwa is still in our custody. We did not arrest or pick him up, but he came up to respond to our long overdue invitation. I can tell you that his detention has no political undertone.”
