Alleged Fraud: Akpabio Dodges EFCC Invitation Says He’s Undergoing Pneumonia, Cardiac Arrhythmia Treatment Abroad

The former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs Godswill Akpabio has failed to present himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFFC) for questioning and interrogation to report to its office.

VerseNews Nigeria reports that the Commission in a letter invited Akpabio to its office on Wednesday March 29, 2023.

Responding to the invitation, the Senator-elect in a letter through his lawyer, Umeh Kalu and directed to EFCC  said he would not make it to the Commission’s office due to ill health, and, already arranged medical appointments overseas.

According to the letter, Akpabio is undergoing treatment for pneumonia and cardiac arrhythmia, and, has recently been advised to seek further attention abroad.

This Online News Media understands that cardiac pneumonia is a lung infection caused by bacteria or viruses.

However, another date was requested for the invitation, preferably after Easter and Ramadan celebrations.

DON’T MISS: ‘Nigerians Gave Me The Greatest Gift’- President-Elect Tinubu Says In 71st Birthday Message

The letter read, “We continue to act as solicitors to Senator Godswill Akpabio and write you at his instance. We write to convey our client’s inability to honour the scheduled visit to your office on the 29th day of March, 2022, due to il health, and, already arranged medical appointments overseas.

“As mentioned in our last letter to you dated February 10, 2023, our client is undergoing treatment for pneumonia and cardiac arrhythmia, and, has recently been advised to seek further attention abroad.

“It is in the light of the above, that we respectfully request that our client’s appointment with you be rescheduled to a date convenient to your officers, preferably after the forthcoming Easter and Ramadan holidays.

“This request is in no way intended to disrespect your high office, even as we regret every conceivable inconvenience that our request will occasion on you and your team of operatives. Please accept the assurances of our professional regards, while thanking you for your understanding.”

What you should know

• Akpabio was detained in 2021 after he attempted to bribe the Chairman of the anti-graft agency, Abdulrasheed Bawa with $350,000 (about N135million).
• EFCC had in the past arrested Akpabio over alleged theft of N108.1billion of Akwa Ibom funds.
• There are also allegations of over N86 billion contract scam involving the Akpabio and the former Acting Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Prof. Kemebradikumo Pondei, which the EFCC is still investigating on.