EFCC had declared Omisore wanted on Tuesday, May 24, 2016, following his alleged failure to honour an invitation extended to him by the anti-graft agency.
Reacting to the development, the PDP spokesman in Osun State, Mr. Diran Odeyemi, described the EFCC’s action as a calculated attempt to embarrass the former deputy governor.
Odeyemi said Omisore was in Nigeria and had no reason to flee from the country.
“He is in the country, he is not running away and he has no reason to do so. I just spoke with him,” he said.
Addressing the reason Omisore did not appear before the EFCC, Odeyemi claimed that the agency was in court seeking an extension of time in a suit involving the politician.
He also said the Managing Director of Fimex Gilt had indemnified Omisore concerning the company’s contract with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), adding that the company had even instituted a suit to recover an outstanding balance.
“There was no issue of N700 million anywhere,” Odeyemi stated.
He maintained that the relationship between the company and ONSA was civil and contractual, urging the EFCC to focus on presenting facts rather than engaging in what he described as political victimisation or coercion.
“Omisore cannot be stampeded or be oppressed by any government in Nigeria. Blackmail won’t help EFCC. Rather, they should come to court with facts,” he said.
Odeyemi further questioned the timing of the EFCC’s decision to declare Omisore wanted, noting that the politician had appeared in court earlier that same day.
“This act of EFCC is unpatriotic and won’t get them any result. How can EFCC declare Omisore, who was in court with EFCC officials at 9am today, May 24, wanted the same day?” he asked.
He also appealed to the international community and human rights organisations to intervene, alleging that the EFCC’s action could damage Omisore’s reputation.
Why EFCC Declared Omisore Wanted
The EFCC, however, said its decision was based on Omisore’s alleged refusal to appear before the commission after several invitations.
According to the commission, the politician had earlier been invited on April 7, 2016, to clarify his alleged involvement in an investigation concerning the receipt and alleged misappropriation of more than N700 million from the Office of the National Security Adviser between June and November 2014.
“Omisore has been elusive and refused to report to the Commission after invitation was extended to him on April 7, 2016, requesting him to come and make clarification on the ongoing investigation,” the EFCC said.
The commission further stated that instead of responding to the invitation, Omisore approached the Federal Capital Territory High Court seeking the enforcement of his fundamental human rights.
According to the EFCC, Justice Husseini Baba Yusuf subsequently ordered that Omisore could only be arrested through due and legal process.
The commission later obtained a warrant authorising the arrest of the politician.
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