Detectives search Magu’s house as probe continues

Detectives on Tuesday searched the personal house of the embattled Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Ibrahim Magu.

The EFCC boss is under investigation by an Administrative Panel, headed by Justice Isa Ayo Salami, a former president of the Court of Appeal. He appeared at the panel on Tuesday for the second day.

It was learnt that the detectives combed Magu’s house in Karu on the outskirts of Abuja at about 7pm.

A source said: “About 10 detectives in four vehicles went to Magu’s personal house in Karu, a clustered suburb of Abuja. They met some aides and guards. They said they came to search the house but the aides and security guards resisted them.

“When they insisted that they were acting on intelligence, the security guards and aides called Magu’s wife on the telephone and she directed them to allow the detectives access.

“They conducted the search unhindered. They did not find anything in the house. They wrote a report which was countersigned by one of the aides.

“The same team got in touch with Magu’s wife that it would search Magu’s Maitama official quarters. As a family, we have cooperated with the detectives. And as at 9.30m, the family was waiting for the detectives.

“But we believe that the head of the house ought to be around during the search to avoid misrepresentation.”

There were indications on Tuesday that the findings of the Salami Administrative Panel will guide the final decision by President Muhammadu Buhari on Magu’s fate.

The President engaged the Justice Salami panel to enable him have a broader perspective on the allegations against Magu by Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami (SAN).

The source said: “The President is only awaiting  Salami panel’s report before taking his decision. He wants to be fair to all parties.

“He does not want any ad hoc approach to the allegations, he has directed the committee to give him a comprehensive report. The anti-corruption agenda is crucial to the administration of President Buhari, he will not want it derailed.

“And the choice  of Justice Salami was strategic because he is a man who will dispense justice without fear or favour.”

Another government source said: “Magu’s matter is still unfolding, it is too early to make any categorical comment.  I think we should allow some time.”

For the second day, the EFCC chairman appeared before the Presidential Committee to clarify some of the issues raised against him.

After the Monday’s interaction, Magu was not allowed to go home. He was detained at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID).

Magu arrived at the Banquet Wing of the Presidential Villa at about 9am and left for his detention facility on Tuesday around 8pm after another round of questioning.

A source said: “I think the scope of the allegations is being expanded. Some issues were raised on Monday on the report of the Presidential Audit Committee; the EFCC Audit Report yet to be signed; and Magu’s relationship with some persons.

“The Acting EFCC chairman also went with his lawyer and he came out of the sitting after 8pm.

Already, three candidates have been shortlisted should it become necessary to replace Magu. Two of them are Commissioners of Police.

A source said: “The three candidates have been profiled by the relevant security agencies. Buhari’s decision on Magu will determine who gets the job.”

(The Nation)

Nigeria records 503 new coronavirus cases

Nigeria’s confirmed cases of coronavirus reached 29,879 on Tuesday night following 503 fresh infections, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said in an update.

Lagos recorded 153 of the 503 cases, followed by Ondo with 76, Edo with 54 and FCT 41.

The rest are: “Enugu – 37, Rivers – 30, Benue – 24, Osun – 20, Kaduna – 15, Kwara – 13, Abia – 9, Borno – 8, Plateau – 6, Taraba – 5, Ogun – 3, Kano – 3, Kebbi – 2, Nasarawa – 2, Bayelsa – 1, Gombe – 1”

The total confirmed cases so far in Nigeria now stands at 29,879 of which 12,108 have been discharged.

However, the infection has claimed 669 lives.

FG Releases Official Website For 774,000 Job Recruitment

Federal Government has released official website for Nigerians who are willing to enroll for 774,000 special public job recruitment across the country.

The website is: www.specialpublicworks.gov.ng

The website as claimed by the Minister of State for labour and employment, Mr Festus Keyamo, SAN will avail all prospective beneficiaries all necessary information needed prior the commencement of the recruitment process.

For now, Keyamo will appear before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Labour on Tuesday to defend the 774,000 job recruitment across the country.

The Minister is going on the invitation of the Joint Committee after the earlier meeting ended in shouting match.

As claimed by labour minister, ” the programme starts on the 1st of October, 2020. However, we are already running out of time because before October 1, 2020, we still have to select the 774,000 Nigerians, register them, open bank accounts for them and obtain their BVNs. Hence the urgency to proceed with preparations.”

On how much the programme is worth, Keyamo said, “The total sum of N52 billion has been appropriated for this programme. Out of this amount, the sum of N46.44 billion is for the actual payment of the stipends of those to be engaged. They will pay through BVN, hence eliminating the possibility of fraud in the payment scheme. (Punch)

Buhari suspends EFCC chair, Magu

President Muhammadu Buhari may have suspended Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Magu, The Nation has learnt.

The Nation had exclusively reported on Monday that Magu may be suspended over the ongoing probe by a presidential panel headed by Justice Ayo Salami.

The panel is investigating 22 allegations exclusively reported by The Nation against Magu.

Multiple sources confirmed to The Nation that Magu has been asked to step aside so as not to obstruct investigation.

It was further learnt that a formal statement will be issued shortly on the development.

Details shortly…

COVID-19: Ekiti confirms 1 new case

EKITI COVID-19 UPDATE: We can confirm that one (1) of the samples sent to the State molecular laboratory has returned positive result of the #COVID19 virus infection.

This brings the total confirmed cases in Ekiti State to forty-five (45), of which three (3) active, forty (40) discharged, and two (2) deaths.

EFCC chair Magu detained

FOR hours on Monday, Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Ibrahim Magu testified before a panel looking into allegations levelled against him by Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami (SAN).

The panel is headed by Justice Isa Ayo Salami, a retired president of the Court of Appeal.

Magu was detained last night after being quizzed by the panel.

He was whisked away from the Presidential Villa, where he was interrogated to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) at about 10.15pm shortly after the investigative panel ended its sitting.

His escort mobile policemen and security detail were stood down before he was taken into custody.

It was learnt that shortly after emerging from the sitting, Magu was led into a waiting  white Hilux van marked 371D.

Magu insisted on sitting in the open space at the back of the Hilux.

The police team persuaded him to sit in the first cabin.

The ding-doing over his relocation to the FCID lasted about 25 minutes.

Magu was later allowed to go to the FCID in his official car.

A source said: “In the light of the ongoing investigation, it became expedient to detain Magu at the FCID. We do not want him to return to the office while he is being questioned, because he is likely to have another session with the Justice Salami panel.”

It was also learnt last night that Magu might be suspended from office.

“By not allowing him to go back to his office was an indication that he might be suspended.

“It is obvious that the Presidency has concluded plans to look for a new candidate for the office,” the source said.

At the FCID around 10.50pm, Magu rejected an offer to take him into an office to stay the night.

He told the officers in charge to treat him like a suspect by putting him in a cell.

Sitting on a chair, he said: “I won’t go and sleep in any office, I prefer to be in a cell. Kindly put me in a cell. That is what Allah wants for me. I can’t question God.”

There was drama to Magu’s invitation earlier in the day. He was intercepted on the road along Fomella Street while moving out of the Wuse II office Annex of the EFCC in Abuja.

Invitation was then extended to him by a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) from the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID).

The CSP’s vehicle had a backup comprising a three-man security team, who closely watched the encounter.

Magu was on his way to the Force Headquarters. He pleaded with the officer to allow him to honour the scheduled appointment.

But he was told the invitation by the panel was superior to his appointment.

At about 1.35pm, Magu arrived at the Villa.

The EFCC chairman, who went to the Villa with his full escort and security detail, was not arrested or molested.

While the session lasted, Magu had unfettered access to his mobile phones.

The panel was also polite as he was allowed to pray and given a free lunch.

A source, who spoke in confidence with our correspondent, said: “The CSP was polite. He even allowed Magu to speak with an officer in the FCID to ensure that the invitation was genuine.

“Instead of going to the Force Headquarters, Magu called his lawyer, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, and headed for the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa.”

The travails of the EFCC chairman started on Sunday night when a source, suspected to be a former EFCC official, posted on Facebook that “next week, Monday-Friday are black days to (sic) Mr. EFCC.”

The facebook post confirmed intelligence at Magu’s disposal that he might be arrested or prosecuted.

Another source added: “With the post on Facebook, Magu already had a mindset that yesterday might be rough.

“And true to his prediction, he got the invitation to appear before the panel.”

Investigation by our correspondent revealed some of the allegations against Magu by Malami.

Some of the 22 allegations are as follows:

• Alleged discrepancies in the reconciliation records of the EFCC and the Federal Ministry of Finance on recovered funds
• Declaration of N539billion as recovered funds instead of N504b earlier claimed
• Insubordination to the office of the AGF by not seeking his approval on some decisions
• Not providing enough evidence for the extradition of ex-Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke
• Alleged late action on the investigation of Process and Industrial Development (P&ID) leading to legal dispute
• Not respecting court order to unfreeze a N7billion judgment in favour of a former Executive Director of First Bank
• Alleged delay in acting on two vessels seized by Nigerian Navy leading to the loss of crude
• Alleged favouring of some investigators called Magu’s Boys
• Reporting some judges to their presiding officers without deferring to the AGF
• Alleged sales of seized assets to cronies, associates and friends
• Alleged issuance of investigative activities to some media prejudicial to some cases.

A top source said: “Magu and his officers had spent the last two weeks looking at all the allegations and compiled appropriate responses to them with documents.

“It is the compendium of evidence that he took to the panel to prove his innocence. Whatever you may accuse Magu of, it is not corruption or self-enrichment.

“All those who have worked with Magu know him for his incorruptibility. He is also a hardliner who stepped on many toes. It is good that a panel is looking into the allegations.

“Take the case of sales of assets, Magu never sold any assets since he came into office. Instead, the seized properties were allocated for use by government agencies.

“The P&ID matter preceded Magu in office because the judgment debt was during the administration of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan. Magu only investigated the criminal aspect instead of supporting Settlement Agreement. And he gave the case all his strength to get the best for the nation.

At the appropriate time, the details of what Magu did in office and what really transpired before the panel will be known to Nigerians for posterity.”

The Department of State Services (DSS) denied arresting the EFCC boss.

The Public Relations Officer of DSS, Dr. Peter Afunanya said: “The Department of State Services (DSS) wishes to inform the public that it did not arrest Ibrahim Magu, Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as has been reported by sections of the media.

“The Service has since 6th July, 2020, been inundated with enquiries over the alleged arrest.”

The EFCC confirmed that Magu went to the Villa to honour an invitation.

A statement by the Head of Media and Publicity of EFCC, Mr. Dele Oyewale said: “Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Mr.  Ibrahim Magu on Monday honoured an invitation by a Presidential Panel reviewing the activities of the EFCC, at the Banquet Hall wing of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

”He was served the invitation to the Panel, while on his way to the Force Headquarters, Abuja for a meeting.

”The EFCC’s boss was neither arrested nor forced to honour the invitation.  A member of a legal team from the EFCC is also with him on the Panel.”

(The Nation)