Fayose: EFCC seeks witnesses’ protection over alleged threat

    
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission said on Tuesday that some elements were threatening the lives of witnesses who are slated to give evidence in the ongoing trial of a former Ekiti State governor Ayo Fayose.

Fayose is standing trial for the alleged diversion of N850m meant for the Ekiti State Poultry project during his tenure.

Counsel for the EFCC, Mr. Adebisi Adeniyi, told Justice Adamu Hobon of the Federal High Court, Ado-Ekiti, at the resumed hearing of the case on Tuesday that some of the witnesses were being threatened through telephone calls not to appear in court.

He, however, did not disclose the names of those behind the threat but said he decided to raise the alarm so that the court could prepare adequate security for the witnesses.

However, counsel for the accused person, Ahmed Raji (SAN),   disagreed with the allegation.

He said, “That is a blanket allegation and intended to divide the minds of the public. Fayose is here and not threatening anybody.”

The judge said the court would issue subpoena against any witness that fails to appear in court, adding that adequate security would be provided when the occasion arises.

Punch