TheCable

Abubakar Malami, minister of justice and attorney-general of the federation, on Thursday denied knowledge of the circumstances that led to the arrest and detention of Innocent Chukwuma, chief executive officer (CEO) of Innoson Motors.

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) picked up the industrialist at his Enugu residence on Tuesday.

Speaking with state house correspondents on Thursday, Malami said he did not know what led to the arrest as he had yet to be briefed by the anti-graft agency.

Malami admitted being aware of the case involving the indigenous vehicle manufacturer and the GT Bank, which he added was being prosecuted in a court.

“In all sincerity, I am not privy to the fact that led to the stated arrest,” he said.

“I have not been formally briefed by the relevant agencies.

“But one thing I know about Innosson, I know of the fact that there has a pending case between him and GT Bank, which is pending in a court and is being prosecuted accordingly.

“Other than that I am not privy to the fact and circumstances that led to his alleged arrest yesterday (Wednesday).

“So, until I am briefed by the relevant agencies, I am not in a clear position to make any disclosure relating (to) that.’’

The arrest of Chukwuma had stirred controversy in the country.

Although the industrialist was said to have been released on bail, he was said to have rejected it and demanded to know the reason for his arrest.

Chukwuma’s company, manufactures brands of cars, SUVs and luxury buses widely used by chief executives and commercial operators.