The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Mathew Kukah, on Monday paid an unscheduled visit to the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in Abuja to see some high-ranking detainees.
A statement by the commission’s spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, said Kukah met with former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode; former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Reuben Abati, among others.
It comes after Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu paid the men a visit last week.
Kukah was conducted round the EFCC detention facilities by the acting chairman of the commission, Ibrahim Magu.
Uwujaren said Kukah expressed delight that the detainees were in high spirits despite the discomfort of temporary restriction.
”I discussed with some detained suspects like Femi Fani-Kayode, Musiliu Obanikoro and Reuben Abati, and I am quite pleased they are looking cheerful.
”I was also happy with the humility of the acting chairman who took me round and the way he interacted with the detainees.
”This is what is important for our country so that nobody takes these kinds of things personal. I am happy I came,” the statement quoted Kukah as saying.
The clergy said that well meaning Nigerians like himself were staff of EFCC to the extent that they wanted a better country and were doing what was needed to be done.
“We’ll continue pray that God guides you, keeps you safe and ensure that we build a country that we all will be proud of.
“This country has suffered so much, but we hope and pray that we can bring the suffering and trauma to an end as we collectively fight corruption,” he said.
The cleric commended the commission over the state of its detention facilities in Abuja, describing them as “clean and orderly”.
Magu, the statement said, assured the detainees that their incarceration was not personal.
“It is not personal; this is all about Nigeria and making it better. And I think there is a consensus around this,” he said.
Fani-Kayode, Abati and Obanikoro are all held for their alleged corrupt practices while holding public office.
The three men have publicly denied any wrongdoing while Fani-Kayode and Obanikoro have alleged persecution for being in the opposition PDP.
