“I Can’t Refund What I Didn’t Steal” – Pastor Ize-Iyamu Denies Allegations Of N700 Million Fraud

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship flag bearer in Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has denied the on ongoing allegations of N700 million fraud levelled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Speaking in an interview on Arise TV on Sunday, Pastor Ize-Iyam said he cannot refund the money the EFCC is accusing him of, because he never stole it.

“The EFCC case against me for N700m, I have made it very clear that the so-called money was never paid into my account. It was never given to me. All I did was that they wanted somebody to verify that the money for campaign came. And I, along with two others, went to the bank and confirmed it.

“From the bank, the money was taken not to my house, but to the house of the leader of the party. And when they got there, the money was distributed to the 18 local government chairmen of the party and they all signed for it. Not one kobo was given to me. These are facts available to the court; these are facts available to the EFCC.

“The EFCC’s own is that we ought to refund the money and I said how can I refund what I did not collect? If I took the money, I may say yes, I will refund it; but I didn’t take it, not a kobo did I take. So, my conscience is clear and my credibility is intact.”

KanyiDaily had reported that Ize-Iyamu is standing trial for allegedly receiving N700m as campaign funds during the build-up to the 2015 general elections when he was still with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).