By Sisaa Agboh and
Wisdom Patrick (Lagos)

Ararume (PDP, Imo State) allegedly obtained a loan of over N1 billion from Inland Bank which he has failed to repay.

EFCC officials, including its Lagos Head, Ibrahim Lamorde, feigned ignorance of the quiz but an inside source confirmed that the man was questioned for several hours at the Awolowo Road, Lagos office.

Aside of the default, he is alleged to have used fake documents to secure the loan and with the re-capitalisation in banks, those out to acquire Inland have asked for the debtors’ list and how they secured their facilities.

Although some have accused Ararume’s political opponents of orchestrating his travails because of his governorship ambition in 2007, the EFCC source insisted that there is no political undertone in the matter.

He said the agency is acting purely on the facts before it and that he would be let off the hook if his hands are clean.

Last week, the EFCC quizzed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Deputy National Chairman (South), Bode George, over undisclosed reasons.

It was speculated that he was questioned as a result of a petition from the PDP which alleges financial misconduct against him.

He had earlier been questioned over his tenure as chairman of the Board of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA).

However, when contacted, First Inland Bank, the group which Inland Bank merged with said they are not aware of the business transaction with the senator.