Dasuki Gate: Fani-Kayode to Remain in EFCC Custody

By Francis IwuchukwuAn Ikeja Magistrate Court, presided over by Chief Magistrate Bola Osunsanmi (Mrs) on Monday granted a remand application initiated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC which had sought to remand former aviation minister and spokesperson of the Goodluck Jonathan campaign organisation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode over allegation of fraud to the tune of N1.5 billion. The court arrived at the decision shortly after listening to the argument of lawyer representing the anti-graft agency, Mr A. N. Anana and Faki Kayode’s lawyer, Wale Balogun. The anti-graft agency in its argument before the court stated that the remand application which was pursuant to section 261 of Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, 2011, of Lagos State, was to remand Fani-Kayode pending when he will be properly arraigned at the appropriate Court. But in opposition, Fani Kayode’s lawyer, Balogun argued that the anti-graft agency’s application was moved in breach of the former minister’s constitutional rights. He added that the defendant had been granted an administrative bail by the EFCC but was never allowed to perfect such. He also informed the court that the anti-graft agency had gotten the same order of remand before an Abuja Chief Magistrate court. He, therefore, urged the court to disregard the EFCC’s remand application against his client. But Chief Magistrate Osunsanmi while dismissing Kayode’s application ruled that he failed to exhibit any document before the court to show that the former Minister of Aviation has been charged before any court of the alleged offence. Consequently, she ordered that Fani-Kayode be remanded in EFCC’s custody for 21 days pending when he will be arraigned at the appropriate court. Â