Ibadan businessman and nightclub owner, Biodun Agbele, has reportedly gone underground following his alleged involvement in the controversy surrounding funds said to have been linked to the 2014 Ekiti State governorship election.
Agbele’s name came into the spotlight after he was identified in reports as an alleged intermediary in the financial transactions involving Governor Ayo Fayose, who had been accused of benefiting from a controversial N4.6 billion fund.
The governor had consistently denied any wrongdoing and maintained his distance from the allegations.
Agbele, meanwhile, was said by people familiar with his affairs to have experienced difficult times before his recent return to the social scene.
His Platinum Nite Club on Awolowo Road, Ibadan, was reportedly in poor condition for some time and had lost much of its former appeal.
According to sources familiar with the businessman, friends who had benefited from his generosity in the past had occasionally assisted him during his difficult period.
That situation was said to have changed after Agbele became associated with the political developments surrounding Fayose.
People close to the businessman claimed that he began receiving substantial funds into accounts allegedly on the instruction of the Ekiti State governor.
One of the claims attributed to those familiar with the matter was that Agbele had referred to the money as “owo PDP” while speaking with friends.
The funds were later reportedly linked to transactions involving the office of the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki.
As the controversy unfolded, Agbele was said to have made significant improvements to his business and lifestyle.
One of the most visible changes was the revival of his Platinum Nite Club in Ibadan. The club, which had reportedly struggled for some time, was renovated and equipped with modern facilities.
It subsequently returned to the Ibadan social scene, attracting fun lovers who had previously moved to other popular hangouts in the city.
For Agbele, the revival of Platinum was particularly significant because the nightclub had long been regarded as his major business interest.
Those who knew the businessman before his recent troubles also recalled his long-standing generosity and relationships with influential figures.
According to people familiar with his past, Agbele had been active in Ibadan’s social and political circles for many years and was known to have assisted friends and associates during their own political activities.
However, his name has now become closely associated with the controversy over the alleged election funds.
As the investigation into the transactions continued, reports emerged that Agbele had gone missing amid fears that he could be arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
His phones were reportedly switched off, while his residence was said to have remained locked. He was also reportedly absent from some of his usual social spots, fuelling speculation that he had gone underground.
On Wednesday, June 22, 2015, reporters visited his Platinum Nite Club on Awolowo Avenue, Bodija, Ibadan, and found the business operating normally.
The club was said to be recording its usual patronage, with members of staff going about their duties. A manager was also observed paying close attention to visitors entering the premises.
At the time of the report, the whereabouts of Agbele remained unclear as the controversy surrounding the alleged election funds continued to generate attention.
Source: Papermacheonline
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