The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has invited a former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, for alleged conspiracy, criminal and inciting publication.
In a letter dated August 20, 2018 with Ref. No CR/3000/IGP.SEC/MU/T.G/ABJ Vol.54/226, the police asked the former minister to appear before SP Usman Garba latest by August 28, 2018.
In the letter titled, ‘Conspiracy, criminal defamation, inciting publication, injurious falsehood and conduct likely to cause breach of peace’, the police noted that the invitation was based purely on a fact-finding mission.
The letter, which was signed by Commissioner of Police in charge of the IG Monitoring Unit, Force Headquarters, Habu Sani read, “This office is investigating the above mentioned case reported to the Inspector-General of Police in which your name featured. “In view of the above, you are requested to interview the undersigned through SP Usman Garba on 28/08/2018 by 10.00hrs to shed light on the allegations raised.
“You are to, however, note that the invitation is purely for fact findings and your cooperation in this regard is highly solicited. Please.”
Speaking on his invitation, however, Fani-Kayode said, “I am not in the least bit intimidated and I cannot be silenced. They would have to kill me first. I received the letter today without any details of the allegations or who the complainant is.
“I will consult with my lawyers and take it from there. One thing is clear though: this is yet another attack on democracy and freedom of speech. No matter what they do, in the end we shall prevail because God is with us.”
Although it was not expressly stated why the former minister was invited, sources told our correspondent that it may not be unconnected to a recent article he wrote as well as an interview he granted the Africa Independent Television.
In the said programme on AIT, Fani-Kayode rejected the reports from the Presidency and the All Progressives Congress that it was Senate President Bukola Saraki that organised the invasion of the National Assembly.
The former minister alleged that it was the acting President at the time, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, that ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to block the entrance of the National Assembly. The police have in recent times invited several persons who have written articles or issued reports that are deemed unfavourable or embarrassing to the government.
The senator representing Bauchi-Central Senatorial District, Isah Misau, was arraigned for allegedly making injurious statements against the IG, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, while a spokesman for a former military Head of State, Kassim Afegbua, was invited for issuing a statement critical of the President.
