Saraki released on bail after interrogation

0

The Senator was questioned regarding a multi-billion naira loan scam

Former Governor of Kwara State, Bukola Saraki, was on Thursday released on bail after two hours of interrogation at the Police Special Fraud Unit (SFU) over his alleged role in a multi-billion naira loan scam.

Saraki, now a senator, arrived at the Ikoyi office of the police unit around 11a.m. in a black Mercedes Benz jeep, accompanied by his aides in two other jeeps.

The senator is being investigated for a waiver of N9.97 billion granted by the defunct Intercontinental Bank Plc to companies he allegedly promoted, while he was still a governor.

The controversial waiver of N9.97 billion that Saraki is facing investigation for, represents about 82% of loans and facilities worth N11.97 billion indebtedness granted to four companies in February, 2010.

A statement earlier credited to the SFU named the companies that enjoyed the waivers as: Joy Petroleum Limited, Skyview Properties Limited, Dicetrade, Limkers Nigeria Limited.

Saraki had earlier shunned invitations for questioning and also sought a court injunction to prevent his arrest by the police.

His first visit to  the SFU was however, not without controversy, though it lacked the retinue of his supporters that thronged the police office on Monday, when he was earlier expected for questioning.

Some journalists were manhandled and arrested by police officers, who also prevented them from taking Saraki’s pictures.

Even though Saraki failed to turn himself in on Monday, his loyalists from his state and political party, turned up in large number at the SFU to offer support for him. 

“We are here to show solidarity to our leader and mentor,” said the Kwara state PDP chairman, Ishola Balogun.

“He has transformed the state, he is somebody who has worked relentlessly for the people of the state. We are appealing to the federal government to look into this matter and let this matter die.”

The atmosphere was also filled with women bearing posters of Saraki, dancing and singing solidarity songs calling on the police to “let the matter die”.

View the original article here

Send your news stories to [email protected] Follow News Ghana on Google News

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here