Kakalistiq.com reports that former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, In a compelling narrative of resilience and triumph, recounted his gruelling twelve-and-a-half-year ordeal with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Describing the period as “harrowing,” Ikuforiji shared his experience at a media briefing in Ikeja, reflecting on the wrongful allegations that led to his prolonged legal battles.
“It was a persecution based on wrongful allegations,” Ikuforiji stated, emphasizing the unnecessary suffering he endured due to a faceless petition that triggered the EFCC’s investigation. The former Speaker was finally discharged and acquitted of all 54 counts of money laundering charges by the Federal High Court in Lagos on June 24.
Reflecting on the false accusations, Ikuforiji revealed his shock at being accused of collecting N500 million over 14 months, totalling about N7 billion. He recounted receiving a call from the then EFCC Director of Operations, Mohammed, while en route to Umrah in Saudi Arabia. Upon his return, Ikuforiji reported to the EFCC as requested and spent a weekend in an EFCC cell in Abuja over a petition that lacked a name, address, or telephone number.
“This case inspired me to study law at the University of Lagos,” Ikuforiji said, explaining how the ordeal motivated him to gain a deeper understanding of the legal system. Despite his legal challenges, he remained politically active, though he refrained from running for office during the investigation.
With a sense of liberation, Ikuforiji declared June 24 as his day of independence. “I am a very happy man as my joy knows no bounds in the last 48 hours, and I am extremely grateful to God Almighty for seeing me through the ordeal,” he expressed.
The former Speaker shared that he did not inform his family about his court appearance last Monday, uncertain if he would be imprisoned. He took pride in his leadership of the Lagos State House of Assembly, which he described as the most progressive during his ten-year tenure as Speaker. Under his leadership, the Assembly passed significant legislation, including the Freedom of Information Bill and the Child Rights Act.
Ikuforiji reminisced about his political journey, noting that he prayed a year ahead of the 2003 elections to win a seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly and eventually become Speaker. His prayers were answered, and he served three terms from Epe Constituency, with a decade-long tenure as Speaker.
As he looks forward, Ikuforiji remains optimistic yet grounded. “2027 is in the hands of God since we are still in 2024, and no one can say who will be alive by then,” he remarked, reflecting on his future in politics. His story stands as a testament to perseverance and faith in the face of adversity.
