Why I spent two days in EFCC custody, by ex-Senate President Anyim

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, has explained why he was detained for two days by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Anyim was released on Tuesday after he was kept in custody since Sunday by EFCC over allegation that part of N780 million aviation fund was diverted to a company he is a director.

But the former Senate President, in a statement made available to The Star by his Media Adviser, Sam Nwaobasi, said there was no truth in the allegations in the public domain.

He, however, failed to disclose why he was grilled by EFCC operatives for two days.

Anyim only mentioned that some people being investigate by the EFCC mentioned his name.

His statement read: “Senator Anyim got information that some persons invited by the EFCC in connection with some matter it was investigating mentioned his name in the statement made to the EFCC.

“Determined, as always, to ensure that the truth prevails, Senator Anyim reached out to the officer handling the matter and offered, on his own volition, to come over to the EFCC to clarify any issues around which his name was mentioned. The officer was delighted and they agreed to meet in his office at the EFCC by 3p.m. on Sunday the 24th of October, 2021.

“At the agreed time Senator Anyim arrived at the EFCC office. He was never invited by the EFCC. After his engagement, during which Senator Anyim was as candid as could be, to his utter surprise he was told he would not be going home that day. By the next day the EFCC gave the conditions for his release which were met promptly. “It took up to Tuesday for EFCC to complete their processes after which he was allowed to go home.

“Senator Anyim, as a law-abiding citizen, will always submit himself to any process required by any agency of the government in the discharge of its duties. Senator Anyim, though not disturbed or worried by his encounter with the EFCC, after all he went to their office by himself, has however noted some reports in some social media platforms that deliberately distorted the facts just to call his integrity to question.

“Senator Anyim remains steadfast in his commitment to join hands with men and women of goodwill to unite, heal and advance the cause of our dear country Nigeria and will continue to offer himself and services to the pursuit of same, notwithstanding the blackmail, falsehood, misinformation and misrepresentation that some opportunists will seek to make out of such episodes like his recent encounter with the EFCC.”