Five senators and 20 House of Representatives' members, including the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly Ali Ahmad Tuesday, stormed the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in solidarity with the wife of the Senate President, Mrs. Toyin Saraki, when she appeared before the commission, which is investigating her for alleged corruption.

The senators included Dino Maleye, Peter Nwaobosi, Abdul Abubakar, Binta Mashin and Isa Misau. Mrs. Saraki who arrived the EFCC headquarters at 12.30 pm was grilled by officials of the commission for almost six hours before she was finally released to go home.

She left the commission at 6.15 pm but refused to entertain any question from journalists. But in a statement issued on her behalf by her private secretary Hakeem Olagoje, Mrs. Saraki assured the public of her readiness and willingness to cooperate fully with the EFCC on the investigation.

She said: "As a citizen with the utmost respect for the highest standards of transparency and democratic accountability, Mrs. Toyin Saraki visited the EFCC today as per their invitation.

"Mrs. Saraki made herself available to assist the commission wholeheartedly with any lawful enquiry they may have. Following today's visit, Mrs Saraki will continue to cooperate fully with the EFCC and hopes for a prompt and positive resolution in satisfaction of this enquiry."

The statement added: "Having placed an emphasis on the importance of accountability, transparency and diligent reporting, Mrs. Saraki maintains that she has always operated within the law and to the highest standards of global compliance in all of her activities.

"Mrs. Saraki reaffirmed her willingness to assist the EFCC and expects that the spirit of this enquiry will follow the global standards and principles of open democracy, transparency and impartially that the EFCC and other similar organisations around the world are founded upon.

"Mrs. Saraki looks forward to drawing a line under the matter and continuing in her global advocacy on maternal, newborn and child health."

The invitation by the EFCC arose from a petition written by the Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over her alleged role as the first lady of Kwara State when her husband and now Senate President, was the governor.

EFCC's spokesman Wilson Uwujaren said Mrs. Saraki was expected back at the commission today by 10 am to continue with the interrogation.

However, Uwujaren could not provide information on the exact nature of the allegations levelled against her.