AYODELE Fayose, former Governor of Ekiti State, has denied ownership of the properties reportedly sealed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Ekiti State, saying that the houses belong to ‘innocent’ individuals in the state.

In a statement signed by his media aide, Lere Olayinka, Fayose described the actions of the EFCC as a “wild goose chase” and an attempt by the All Progressives Congress-led federal government to malign his person.

“Just been informed that operatives of the EFCC in collaboration with the APC govt in Ekiti are going about sealing houses of innocent people in the state, under the guise that the houses are linked to me,” the statement read.

“This is another wild goose chase and the usual media campaign against my person. It is only in our country that an anti-corruption agency will first go about sealing houses before determining the ownership, which can be done so easily by visiting relevant agencies.

“I am therefore informing the public ahead of their usual blackmail and media trial. None of the properties in question is owned by me and the records are there for anyone that is interested to see.

“The EFCC is advised to stop going about looking for ways to malign my person just because of their hatred as a result of my uncompromising stands on national issues.

“Even if the Commission is being pressured from ‘above’ to persecute Fayose at all cost, it should at least, do its job diligently to save itself from persistent embarrassment.”

Fayose and his company, Spotless Limited, are facing an 11-count charge of conspiracy and money laundering amounting to ₦2.2 billion.

According to the EFCC, Fayose received ₦1.2 billion to fund his 2014 gubernatorial campaign in Ekiti State, a sum the agency said he ought to have known formed part of proceeds of an unlawful act.

He was arraigned in court but later released on bail by a Lagos High Court.