Firstnation Airways has denied all allegations made by EFCC in a letter dated 28 March and exclusively obtained by The Lagos Times.
The letter says the allegations made by EFCC is based on the false and dubious petition by Skye bank Plc. “The charges are bogus and without basis and targeted to impugn our integrity and we will vigorously defend ourselves in court.” said Firstnation.
According to Firstnation, the charge was filed as far back as December 11th 2017 and EFCC did not inform either Mr Kayode Odukoya, CEO Firstnation or Firstnation of its existence even though Firstnation and Mr. Odukoya in good faith continued to visit EFCC offices on December 16th 2017, February 6th and March 13th 2018. The letter also state that at the same time, the wrong impression was being created in Court, that Mr. Odukoya was avoiding arraignment and FirstNation only learnt of the charges through social media on March 9th 2018.
The letter equally stated that after being aware of the charges through the social media, Mr Kayode Odukoya voluntarily visited the EFCC on March 13th 2018 at 10 am and was subsequently detained despite the fact that he was already on administrative bail. “Given the fact that the charge had already been filed, he should then have been immediately served with same to allow him effectively defend the action. Instead, Mr. Odukoya was only served with the charge on Thursday March 16th and arraigned on Friday, March 17, 2018, well outside the 48 hours required by law.” said Firstnation.
In conclusion, ” It is instructive that we clarify that Firstnation do NOT owe any other banking institution (local or abroad) and dispute in good faith any indebtedness to Skyebank Plc. This dispute is also already, subject of separate ongoing civil litigation since April 2017 instituted by us. We will vigorously defend our innocence with respect to the charges and are confident that we will obtain justice from the court.” said Firstnation.