The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has declared 61-year-old Olusegun Ola Osinkolu of Ekiti State wanted over alleged conspiracy, forgery, and obtaining money by false pretence.
In its public notice, the EFCC listed his last known address as 3, Chucks Onyebuchi, Lekki Phase 1, Victoria Island, Lagos, and asked anyone with information to contact the Commission.
Reacting, Hon. Olusegun Osinkolu denied evading authorities. “I was in Ekiti State throughout the election period. They know where I live. They know my house. I don’t understand how being declared wanted came into play,” he said.
Osinkolu maintained the matter is civil and already before a court, arguing that declaring him wanted was unwarranted. “For somebody to be declared wanted, it means you are a fugitive running from the law. That is not the case here.”
He said the EFCC told him the notice was issued because he failed to honor an invitation, but noted he was out of the country at the time. “When I am not in the country, how can I come to their office?” he asked.
While not directly accusing anyone, Osinkolu suggested political motives. “I wouldn’t say politicians have a hand in it, but it looks like that is the only explanation. Before you declare someone wanted, they should have done something very serious — stolen government money, offended the state, or be a kidnapper. Why declare someone wanted over a civil matter?”
He said his lawyer has written to the EFCC and will submit the letter Friday morning, demanding withdrawal of the notice and removal of his name from the wanted list.
Osinkolu added that concerned family and supporters have been calling him. “I have tried to let them know exactly what is going on. I have not been in the country.”
On the invitation, he clarified: “It wasn’t really a formal invitation, but I can call it formal because they sent a text message. I have the name of the person I spoke to. They know I was not in the country. I have a feeling there is a bit of political undertone to it, but I can’t actually lay my hands on it. There is nothing to worry about.”
