Abia State Accountant General, Chief Gabriel Onyendilefu, has denied ever being arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In a letter by his lawyers over a report on his purported arrest, published last Thursday, the accountant general said he was never invited or arrested by the EFCC.
According to James Kwubiri Okpara of the James C. Kwubiri Okpara & Co, in the letter: “Chief  Gabriel Onyendilefu was not arrested by the EFCC on Monday evening as he was emerging from  Geraobi Hotels, near Upstairs Line, World Bank Housing Estate, Umuahia as falsely stated and published by your newspaper.
“At all times, our client was engaged in his lawful duties as an employee of Abia State Government.”
Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu had inaugurated  Chief Onyendilefu as permanent secretary in the state civil service in October last year.
Describing Onyendilefu as a man with enviable track record, while serving as Accountant General, Ikpeazu said he earned the state respect and recognition from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as a prudent manager of resources.
“Onyendilefu was chosen for the new position and also in respect of my pledge to accord respect and honour to civil servants, who deserve them,” he said.
Ikpeazu charged Onyendilefu to remain committed to the service, saying: “To whom much is given, much is also expected.”
He remarked that Abia State civil service remained the pivot on which the government revolves and that government’s performance would be determined by how efficient the civil service is. Onyendilefu had thanked the governor for the honour done him and pledged to continue to live up to his charge in the discharge his official duties.