Police, Fani-Kayode Agree, Set to Meet on September 4

The Nigeria Police and a former Minister of Aviation, Chief Fani-Kayode, have reached an agreement over his scheduled appearance to answer some questions as regards criminal allegations against him.

According to Chief Fani-Kayode’s lawyer, Mr. Kayode Ajulo who returned to Nigeria from the United Kingdom on Tuesday, the police have formally downplayed a threat to arrest the former minister.

Last week, the police had written a letter titled “Conspiracy, Criminal Defamation, Inciting Publication, Injurious Falsehood and Conduct Likely To Cause A Breach Of The Peace,” asking the former Minister of Aviation to appear for an interview on Tuesday, August 28, 2018.

Fani-Kayode’s lawyer had fired back a response dated August 27, 2018, asserting that the invitation letter from the Inspector-General of Police was ‘too vague and ambiguous’ and that he can only honour the invitation by September 4 or September 5, 2018.

On Monday, spokesman, Jimoh Moshood, an Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police said that the former minister was deliberately risking arrest by rejecting a courteous approach, adding that the police will arrest him accordingly.

However, a new letter from the Force headquarters, Abuja dated August 23, 2018 and signed by CP Habu Sani of the Inspector-General of Police Monitoring Unit conceded to the two demands of Fani-Kayode’s lawyers by agreeing on a new date – September 4, 2018.

The police also responded positively to the demand for a disclosure of the source of criminal allegations raised against Chief Fani-Kayode, pointing out that the invitation is in respect of criminal complaints brought by Apex Solicitors, a firm of lawyers.

“I refer to your letter No KACCL/OR/372/18 dated 27th August, 2018 wherein you requested for rescheduling of appointment in respect of the above subject.

“Graciously the interview is now rescheduled for Tuesday the 4^th day of September, 2018 by 1200hrs. (Attached is a copy of the new invitation letter).

“You are however to note that, the invitation is in respect of criminal complaints lodged by Apex Solicitors (Legal Practitioners and Consultants) and your cooperation in this regard is expected, please,” the police stated.