Nigerian Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka, has expressed apprehension regarding the safety of the former Minister of Power and Steel, Olu Agunloye, currently detained in Kuje prison. 

This concern arises following the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission arraignment of Agunloye at an Abuja High Court on Wednesday, where he faces allegations of fraud. The court subsequently ordered Agunloye to be remanded in prison.

In response to these developments, Soyinka issued a statement on Wednesday through his spokesperson Jahman Anikulapo. Soyinka drew attention to the unresolved murder of Bola Ige in his bedroom, emphasizing that Agunloye, a crucial witness in Ige’s case, may face risks while in detention.

“Dr. Olu Agunloye, we learn, was finally charged to court today, and the presiding judge, in his or her wisdom, adjourned the case and proceeded to remand the accused. I wish to alert the nation, and the government that there exists a justifiable, high-level concern for Agunloye’s safety,” Soyinka stated.

Drawing a connection between Bola Ige’s murder and the Mambilla scam, Soyinka highlighted Agunloye’s collaboration in efforts to unmask Ige’s killers. 

He cautioned against complacency, suggesting that there might be forces desperate enough to subject Agunloye to a fate similar to that of Bola Ige.

Soyinka concluded with a stern warning, “Let it be understood that if anything happens to this pivotal witness while in custody, the inference will be heard loud, clear, and unambiguous.”