A former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has been summoned by the Nigeria Police for alleged “conspiracy, criminal and inciting publication”.
Mr Fani-Kayode, a fierce critic of the Buhari administration, is facing corruption charges brought by the government.
He regularly posts critical comments about the government on social media. It is not clear what views the police now consider as inciting.
The police invitation was contained in a letter dated August 20 with Ref. No CR/3000/IGP.SEC/MU/T.G/ABJ Vol.54/226 and signed by Habu A. Sani, Commissioner, IGP Monitoring Unit.
ICYMI: Reno Omokri to Buhari: Jonathan completed 8,956 projects, name yours
The police ordered Mr Fani-Kayode to make himself available before Usman Garba, a superintendent of police, for questioning on August 28 on a “fact-finding mission”.
The letter reads:
“This office is investigating the above-mentioned case reported to the Inspector-General of Police in which your name featured.”
How Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg and other successful people start their day
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.”
The police, however, refused to state which of the former minister’s publications they are investigating.
Several attempts to hear directly from the force spokesperson, Jimoh Moshood, were not successful. He did not answer several calls and text message sent to him.
Meanwhile, Mr Fani-Kayode confirmed the invitation via his official Twitter handle. Also, when contacted, he said he got the invitation on Friday afternoon and has consulted his lawyers.
“I cannot be intimidated. I have consulted my lawyers,” the vocal government critic told PREMIUM TIMES.