Salami-Led Presidential Panel Recommends Sack, Prosecution Of Suspended EFCC Boss, Magu

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‘Stop Yahoo Yahoo’ – EFCC boss, Magu Warns Nigerians
Judicial Commission of Inquiry
set up by President Muhammadu Buhari to probe Ibrahim Magu, the suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reportedly submitted an interim review to the President.

The panel headed by the retired president of the appeal court, Justice Ayo Salami in its interim report recommended that the suspended EFCC chairman be sacked and prosecuted for corruption as well as abuse of office.

According to The Cable, the panel also asked the president to appoint a new chairman for the commission ‘without further delay.’

A police source who is privy to the investigation but who pleaded anonymity said;

The Salami panel has been sending interim reports to the President. Its latest report, however, recommends Magu’s sacking from the EFCC and possible prosecution.

When asked why the report was sent when Magu had not yet opened his defence, the police officer said;

Magu has been part of the process. He has been attending sittings and has even been given the opportunity of cross-examining some witnesses. The interim report is for the President alone and is to keep him abreast of the activities of the panel.

However, Magu’s lawyer, Wahab Shittu, said Justice Salami had informed him that no such report has been submitted to the President.

Shittu said Magu had yet to open his defence and that it would be unjust for the panel to recommend his sacking.

He said;

I don’t understand why we should be talking about a reaction to something that is blatantly falsehood. First, the panel is still calling witnesses. Two witnesses appeared before the panel today. So, if there were ongoing proceedings on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and the panel has adjourned till Monday.

If witnesses are still being taken and interrogated, and documents are still being submitted, what that should suggest to you is that proceedings are ongoing and have not been concluded. Does it (then) make sense for a report to be submitted?

The lawyer said even if the report was an interim one, it would be wrong to submit it without hearing from Magu.

Shittu added;

Ibrahim Magu, my client, has not opened his defence and the panel has repeatedly indicated that he would be allowed to defend himself only after witnesses have been exhausted. So, somebody who has yet to defend allegations against him, can he be indicted?

Read Also: Breaking: Magu  Released From Detention 9 Days After Arrest

It would be recalled that Magu was arrested and detained on Monday, July 6, following a summons by the presidential panel probing his activities in office.

Magu was probed by presidential panel headed by Justice Ayo Salami, a retired judge of the Court of Appeal over allegation of diversion of recovered funds and unauthorised sales of seized assets.

Read Also: Magu Could Not Account For 332 Recovered Properties, Sold Assets To Friends – Presidential Panel

Magu was suspended and then released from detention on July 15 following daily questioning sessions by the panel over the weight allegations leveled against him.

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