EFCC reacts to Ibrahim Magu’s reported arrest

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has reacted to the reported arrest of its acting chairman, Ibrahim Magu.

According to multiple online reports, Magu was said to have been arrested at the Wuse II office of the DSS on Monday afternoon and undergoing interrogation at the DSS Headquarters In Aso Drive.

This has been denied by the State Security Service (also called DSS), as fresh reports stated that Magu was taken to a presidential panel sitting at the Banquet Hall of the villa.

The EFCC has now reacted to the claims, stating that Magu wasn’t taken or forced to appear before the panel, but appeared there on his freewill.

Read the short statement released by the EFCC below;

“MAGU HONOURS PANEL INVITATION

Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu on Monday, July 6, 2020, honoured an invitation by a Presidential Panel reviewing the activities of the EFCC, at the Banquet Hall wing of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

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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 recent turn of events is coming few days after Abubakar Malami, attorney-general of the federation (AGF), accused the anti-graft boss of gross infractions.

Ibrahim Magu travelled to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, without the authorisation of the president during the lockdown.

And when he was queried, he said he went for an investigation.

He is also alleged to be living above his means, and it can be recalled that in 2016, DSS accused the EFCC boss of living in a N40m mansion paid for by one Umar Mohammed, a retired Air Commodore.
Magu is yet to be confirmed as the substantive chairman of the EFCC despite occupying the position in acting capacity for many years.