The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained Wale Akinterinwa, an All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Ondo State, in connection with an ongoing investigation into his tenure as Commissioner for Finance in the defunct Akeredolu administration.
Akinterinwa, who served as commissioner for over seven years until the dissolution of the State Executive Council by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, is being probed for alleged mismanagement of billions of Naira, according to a reliable source.
Despite his detention, Akinterinwa participated in the weekend direct primary from his place of custody. The EFCC stated that the timing of his detention was at its discretion.
Sources reveal that Akinterinwa had been invited by the anti-graft body for questioning weeks ago but had allegedly been too occupied to respond. However, he voluntarily presented himself at the EFCC’s office on Thursday.
An undisclosed source emphasised that the EFCC opted not to declare Akinterinwa wanted to avoid political entanglements, considering his status as an APC governorship aspirant. Instead, he was taken into custody upon his voluntary appearance.
The EFCC clarified that Akinterinwa’s detention was not politically motivated, asserting that it was based on overdue interaction regarding the allegations against him.
As of yesterday, Akinterinwa remains in EFCC custody, with officials confirming that his detention is independent of any political agenda.