Ibru not on the run… he’s undergoing surgery in the UK, says family

The family of Goodie Minabo Ibru says the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was biased in its declaration of its principal as being wanted.

EFCC declared Ibru wanted on Wednesday charges of capital market fraud, money laundering, and diversion of funds to the tune of billions of naira.

A statement released on Thursday by Akpofure Ibru, on behlaf of his family, noted that the allegations are “scandalous, misleading and unfortunate”.

While describing the issue as a mere “family misunderstanding” and “boardroom politics”, the Ibru family  urged the EFCC to exercise professional restraint in its service delivery.

It further noted that Ibru, who is recovering from illness, had promised to appear before the anti-graft agency in the first week of November.

“The truth of the matter is that the EFCC, as recently as July 19, 2016 invited Mr. Ibru for an interview on July 25. Mr Ibru replied through the law firm of Babalakin & Co that he would not be able to honour the invitation until his planned return in the first week of November 2016, as he was in the United Kingdom undergoing medical treatment.

“Ibru is a law-abiding citizen who has no interest in foiling the administration of justice. We assure you that he will appear before your commission as soon as he has recovered from his illness and returned to Nigeria.

“It is therefore scandalous to read the EFCC notice of October 12, purporting that Mr. Ibru was on the run.”

“Indeed, this issue of family dispute was at the heat of EFCC’s decision to file a notice of discontinuance on September 17, 2015 to the suit ID/1711C/20 between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Goodie Minabo Ibru and three others.”