The Nation Newspaper

Tag: EFCC chair

  • Plot to suspend Magu uncovered

    THE battle over the appointment of a substantive Chairman for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is not yet over between contending forces in government and the National Assembly.

    A plot to suspend the anti-graft agency’s acting chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, was being perfected by those opposed to his retention.

    But pro-Magu supporters in government are of the opinion that he remains the best for the job.

    They said since there are cases in court over whether or not it was necessary for the Senate to confirm Magu, the matters should be allowed to run their full course to the Supreme Court level.

    The National Assembly had rejected the nomination of Magu and made his removal as one of its demands for a quicker resolution of the crisis between the two arms of government.

    But the Presidency has remained adamant on the choice of Magu for the job in view of his “unique forensics investigations in the last three years”.

    According to investigation, some anti-Magu forces met in the past one week on how to resolve the feud between the Executive and the National Assembly, especially on Magu.

    The said forces were said to be “looking for an outright solution to Magu imbroglio”.

    Most of the bigwigs were also said to be nursing fears that with or without Buhari’s second term in office, Magu can move against them after leaving government.

    It was learnt that Magu will be suspended under the guise of any of these cooked up allegations:

    *owning phantom houses at home and abroad;

    *opening of an account with suspicious lodgments;

    *working in cahoots with an Arab as a business partner;

    *unyielding position on the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit( NFIU);

    *alleged irreconcilable figures on the amount recovered from looters between the Ministry of Finance and the EFCC;

    *alleged insubordination; and

    * the likelihood of the EFCC operational activities jeopardising the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    A top source, who spoke in confidence, said: “Since the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, declared that the Presidency was insisting on the choice of Magu, those opposed to the acting chairman of EFCC have also returned to the drawing board.

    “Working hand-in-hand with some members of the National Assembly, they have disagreed with the VP.

    “The latest plot is to hide under any of the phantom allegations above to suspend him from office whenever the President is out of the country or Abuja.

    “Once the suspension is announced, it will be difficult for the President to reverse. The alternative will be a fresh crisis in the presidency over Magu.

    “Apart from using  the Presidency-National Assembly feud as an excuse, some of these anti-Magu forces also believe that with the tough stance of Magu in office, it could affect the chances of Buhari’s second term bid.

    “They also claimed that with Magu out of the way, the relationship between the Executive and the National Assembly can be smoother. Those in the Senate have specifically asked the presidency to prevail on Magu to stop the ongoing investigation of some senators.”

    Those who favour Magu, including the vice president, a few Northern Emirs and limited members of the kitchen cabinet of the President have insisted that those against the acting EFCC chairman were out to derail the anti-corruption agenda of the Buhari administration.

    A source in the Presidency said: “Magu is a financial crime-buster with exceptional courage. The VP is saying he is the most fitted because the quality of investigations under Magu by the EFCC.as forensic fidelity. Even all the suspects so far interrogated know.

    “It is like getting to the middle of a river and contemplating a return. The anti- graft war by the EFCC has earned Mr. President international rating and to do otherwise is to make nonsense of what has been achieved.

    “Those who do not want Magu have other agenda than backing the anti-corruption campaign of the President.

    “There is no question of insubordination against the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation as being claimed. AGF Abubakar Malami and Magu recently travelled to Dubai together on assignment

    “And why will anybody be so desperate to plot to open an account and lodge cash there in the name of Magu? This shows the extent of desperation by those opposed to him.”

    On the crisis between the Presidency and the National Assembly, the source added: “Without Magu’s nomination, the stress will still be there. Their demands are many and we are trying to reach some understanding.”

    Magu has clarified that he did not acquire houses anywhere.

    He was quoted to have told those who are backing him that “I have no houses abroad, I don’t own any business let alone having a foreign partner whether an Arab or Lebanese.”

    Magu also said he had no direct contact with recovered funds since they go into some dedicated accounts.

     

  • Akeredolu urges Senate to confirm Magu as EFCC chair

    Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has urged the Senate to confirm Ibrahim Magu as the substantive chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Akeredolu, represented by his deputy, Mr. Agboola Ajayi, spoke yesterday in Akure when he hosted a team from the commission’s zonal headquarters in Benin City.

    He said the Senate should resolve the issue of confirming the appointment of Magu, for the benefit of the country.

    The governor said Magu had been in acting capacity as chairman for more than two years.

    He said EFCC, under the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, had achieved a lot in fighting corruption more than the previous governments.

    “To fight corruption is more difficult than the fight against Boko Haram.

    “With the record of billions recovered by the commission, it means God is with this country.

    “With the level of massive looting in the past, I believe there is hope for Nigeria to get to greater height,’’ Akeredolu said.

    Hailing the commission for its achievements in the last two years, he advised it to extend its offices to states.

    This, the governor said, would enable EFCC to recruit workers with apparatus to aid it to fight corruption at the state and local government levels.

    The EFCC Zonal Head, Benin office, Mr. Mallafia Yakubu, had called for the support of the government in the fight against corruption.

    He said corruption had led to underdevelopment and employment.

    “We want to join hands with the government to fight corruption, as the commission cannot do it alone,” Yakubu said.

    He solicited the support of the government on the need to sponsor programmes at the grassroots, to highlight the damage corruption had caused.

  • EFCC chair: Buhari sticks with Magu

    EFCC chair: Buhari sticks with Magu

    •President may overrule DSS as agency’s memo to AGF leaks •Anti-Magu Senators plot to Ndume’s suspension

    There were indications yesterday that President Muhammadu Buhari will insist on Mr. Ibrahim Magu becoming the substantive chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after the Senate has twice turned down his confirmation.

    The President appears set to overrule the Department of State Services (DSS) whose report had said that Magu was not fit for the seat.

    The President, it was learnt, will soon make his position on the embattled acting EFCC boss known.

    A Presidency source who spoke with our correspondent in confidence yesterday said the President has a soft spot for Magu.

    The source, an insider in power politics in the Presidency, said: “Personally, the President prefers Magu and he is standing by him. As at this week, the position of the President has not changed.

    “There is no doubt that the President’s advisers have recommended the retention of Magu and he is likely to heed their advice.

    “As I am talking to you, there is no fresh security report or any updated information which can make Buhari to turn against Magu. So, he is likely to stand by his letter to the Senate.

    “At personal level, Buhari has confided in his key aides that he wants Magu in charge of EFCC.”

    Responding to a question, the Presidency source said “the President will soon make his official position known on this matter. He has received a letter from the Senate, and he is studying why Magu was rejected by the chamber.”

    Another source said the President might “overrule the DSS, but he will address the crisis of confidence among his strategic aides.”

    At press time, it was learnt that the DSS was adamant in its opposition to Magu.

    Although a memo on Magu from the DSS to the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN) leaked to the press yesterday, there were indications that it was part of the plot to stop Buhari from re-nominating the Acting EFCC chair.

    In the memo, which Magu had responded to, the DSS attached 12 documents against Magu.

    The memo, signed by Folashade Bello for the DG of DSS, said in part: “ I am directed to forward the attached documents in respect of the report earlier dispatched by this Service to the Presidency on the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Ibrahim MAGU.

    “They are marked annexures A to L and are highlighted as follows:

    • Annexure ‘A’ – This is a copy of minutes of the 20th Plenary Meeting of the Police Service Commission on 20th December, 2010, chaired by Mr. Parry B. O. OSAYANDE (DIG/Rtd) who was then Chairman of the Commission. The minutes indicate that MAGU was indicted after a disciplinary process and awarded Severe Reprimand for “Action prejudicial to state security, Withholding of EFFC files) Sabotage, Unauthorised removal of EFCC files and Acts unbecoming of a Police Officer.” It is worthy to note here that Severe Reprimand is the second highest punishment to be given to an erring officer, other than compulsory retirement or dismissal from Service.
    • Annexure ‘B’- This is a copy of the confessional statement of Air Commodore Mohammmed UMAR (Rtd), a suspect hitherto detained and currently being prosecuted by the Service. The statement affirms his ownership of Valcour S.A Nigeria Limited, a company awarded the contract of securing and furnishing an official residence for Ibrahim MAGU by the FCTA. Investigation revealed that this was facilitated after MAGU was earlier shown the residence by one Uche ALEKA, a close business associate of UMAR, who was introduced to MAGU by the former.
    • Annexure ‘C’- This is a forged Memo which supposedly originated from the office of the Vice President and addressed to Mr. President. This was recovered from the private residence of UMAR during a search operation by this Service. The document is a request for approval to commence further investigation into financial activities of Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources) Ibe KACHIKWU. Also attached to the Memo are two (2) genuine investigation reports .by EFCC on the Honourable Minister, dated 24th March, 2016 & 13th April, 2016 and duly signed by MAGU. One of the two (2) attachments indicates that the original investigation report earlier was purportedly received in the VP’s office by one Folabo KAY.
    • Annexure ‘D’- This is a letter from the Office of the Vice President affirming that Annexure “C” is a forged document.
    • Annexure ‘E’- This is a copy of Progress report with reference number SH/ COS/ 24/ A/7277 dated 25th May) 2016 on NNPC/ NLG Brass Investment Accounts in Nigerian Commercial Banks from Chief of Staff to Mr. President, Abba KYARI to the Acting EFCC Chairman. The letter is an official/classified document of’ the EFCC which was duly received by the Commission as indicated by the stamp on the document. However, it was recovered at UMAR’s residence.
    • Annexure “F’ – These are photocopies of Managers’ cheques of First Bank PLC and

    Zenith Bank PLC) issued in favour of EFCC Recovery Funds Account on 13/05/2016 and 16/05/2016,n respectively. These are all sensitive official documents of the EFCC found in UMAR’s residence during the search.

    • Annexure ‘G’- A classified letter from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to the EFCC Chairman titled Re: Request to Freeze Accounts Messers Bebey: Merchant Ltd and 20 others, dated 7th March, 2016. This document was also duly received by EFCC but found in Commodore UMAR’s house during the search.
    • Annexure ‘H’- A document which emanated from Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and addressed to the EFCC Chairman on 6th May, 2016 with the subject, Re: Stop Debit Order on all NNPC Accounts and Subsidiaries- A case for Joint Venture & NNPC Pension Funds Accounts. The document was recovered at UMAR’s residence.
    • Annexure ‘I’- NNPC Letter GED/ F&A/08.26 dated 5th May, 2016 addressed to the EFCC Chairman and titled Re: Stop Debit Order on all NNPC Accounts and Subsidiaries. This was also discovered during the search of

    UMAR’s residence.

    • Annexure ‘J’- This is a copy of NNPC correspondence with reference number GED/F&A/08.26 dated May 5th, 2016 and titled Re: Stop Debit Order on all NNPC Accounts and Subsidiaries- Transfer of FCT Balances to NNPC’s TSA Accounts, addressed to the EFCC Chairman. The document was found in UMAR’s residence.
    • xi. Annexure “‘K’ – A copy of an NNPC letter with reference number GED/F&A/08.26 dated May 5th, 2016 and titled Re: Stop Debit on all  NNPC Accounts and Subsidiaries- Critical Accounts for immediate operations to the EFCC Chairman. The document was also recovered during the search of UMAR)s house.
    • xii. Annexure ‘L’ Copy of Confessional Statement by UMAR to the Service stating that his trip to Maiduguri for condolence visit to Ibrahim MAGU, sequel to the loss of a close relative, was made on behalf of the Presidential Committee on Audit of Arms Purchase. Cross examination of the Chairman of the Committee, AVM John ODE (Rtd), revealed that the committee did not send any of its members on such an assignment. The visit of UMAR to MAGU is therefore assessed as an expression of their close sinister relationship at the detriment of National Security interests.

    In his response to a query by the AGF based on the DSS memo, Magu had, however, faulted all the allegations and the documents.

    He said Commodore Mohammed Umar (rtd) never served as a front for him.

    He said: “Sir, it is important to situate my relationship with Commodore Mohammed Umar (rtd), in proper perspective.

    “Our paths crossed when we became members of the Presidential Committee on the investigation on arms procurement. He was instrumental in getting some of the information that helped the committee to make significant breakthrough in its assignment.

    “Beyond that, the relationship between Umar and myself is one of professional acquaintance, devoid of issues of conflict of interest. So, it comes to me with shock, the imputation by the DSS that we have a “mutually beneficial relationship”.

    “This appears suggestive that Mohammed and I were involved in activities that could be said to be untoward. I certainly have no knowledge of such activities.

    “The claim that EFCC documents, including EFCC letters addressed to the Vice President and being investigation reports on the activities of Emmanuel Kachikwu and his brother Dumebi Kachikwu, were found in his home during a search by the DSS came to me as a surprise.

    “ If that is correct, he should be made to disclose how he came by such documents. I never discussed my official duties with him let alone give him documents pertaining to investigations being conducted by the Commission.

    “Interestingly, Mohammed was detained for several months by the DSS. In all those months, did he claim that I mandated him to commit any crime or that I was an accomplice to any crime? If there is any such claim, I will wholeheartedly like to be confronted with the allegation.

    “It is interesting to note that when Mohammed was eventually charged to court, the charges against him were money laundering and illegal possession of firearms, and nothing related to my purported “shady” relationship with him.”

    Magu explained the circumstances in which EFCC files were found in his house after the removal of the pioneer Chairman of EFCC, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

    He said: “It is true that my residence was searched on the orders of Mrs. Farida Waziri, shortly after she succeeded Mallam Nuhu Ribadu as Chairman of the EFCC and some documents relating to cases under investigation were found in my house. At the time of the raid, I was yet to formally hand over to my successor, Umar Sanda, as head of the Economic Governance Unit.

    “My schedule at the time warranted that I worked round the clock and it was impossible to conclude all assignments without working at home.

    “The documents found in my house were actually found in my office bag where I kept documents relating to investigations. I was in the process of handing over and it would be wrong to suggest that I willfully kept the Commission’s files at home.

    “Nevertheless, the incident was thoroughly investigated by the police as I was placed on suspension without pay for 20 months. But in the end, I was reprimanded, recalled and promoted to Assistant Commissioner of Police.

    “It is important, sir, to draw your attention to the fact that some of us that worked closely with Ribadu were victimised after his exit.

    “And my ordeal was orchestrated as punishment for being the chief investigative officer for most of the high profile cases involving politically exposed persons some of whom became very influential in government at the time.

    On the N39.8 million apartment rented for him, Magu said it was false that the house was also furnished for N43 million.

    He added: “I live in the official residence of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This accommodation, contrary to the report of the DSS, is not my private home, neither was it rented and furnished for me by Commodore Umar Mohammed (rtd).

    “It was rented and furnished by the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory through the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, under the safe house scheme.

    “It is also false that the house was rented for N20 million per annum and furnished for N43 million. The entire cost for both two-year rent and the furnishing of the house is N39.628 million.

    “Details of the transaction are contained in the contract award letter and payment schedule which are attached to this letter.”

    He described the two times he flew in a private jet with Air Commodore Mohammed Umar, who was investigated by the DSS, as harmless gestures.

    He said: “Honourable Minister, the claim that I have a penchant for expensive air travels in a private jet belonging to Commodore Mohammed is baseless. The two times I can recall travelling in Commodore Umar’s aircraft, were on a trip from Kano to Abuja, and Abuja to Maiduguri.

    “In the first instance, I had gone to Kano on an official assignment with two of my directors, and Mohammed who was on his way back to Abuja offered us a ride in his jet. The second occasion was when I was going to see my sick mother in Maiduguri.

    “These, for me, were harmless gestures as we were both members of the presidential investigative committee on arms procurement. At the time I had no knowledge that he was under investigation for any alleged crimes.

    “Claims that I flew in Mohammed’s jet to Maiduguri in company of the Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, Nnamdi Okonkwo, is false.

    “I have never flown in a private aircraft with any managing director of any bank let alone one that was under investigation by my agency. I have no personal relationship whatsoever with him.”

    Meanwhile, there were indications that some Senators opposed to Magu have initiated a plot to “suspend a former Senate Leader, Sen. Ali Ndume for allegedly backing Magu and raising some observations against the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, and  the Chairman of the Senate Committee on FCT,  Senator Dino Melaye.

    The observations made the Senate to ask its Ethics and Privileges Committee to investigate how the chamber came about a N300 million SUV and the row over Melaye’s graduation from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

    A reliable source said: “The anti-Magu Senators are accusing Ndume of acting a script to destabilise the Senate and they are plotting his suspension from the chamber.

    “Since the rejection of Magu, there has been cold war between those pro-EFCC chairman and those opposed. Ndume is regarded as the arrowhead of Magu’s sympathisers who are trying to fight the Senate.

    “Once the Ethics and Privileges Committee submits its report, Ndume may be suspended for “subversive activities against the Senate.

    “But some Senators have asked their colleagues to ‘ignore Ndume’s nuisance’ since his candidate was rejected.”

     

  • NLC slams govt on job creation, EFCC chair, others

    Labour yesterday chided the Federal Government for failing to create jobs in 2016, despite its promise to create three million jobs yearly during the campaign for the 2015 elections.

    In a New Year message, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Ayuba Wabba urged the government to use 2017 to deliver on its electoral promises.

    Wabba said the government must go back to the drawing board.

    He said the New Year presented an opportunity to review the previous years and to offer the platform to re-strategise for better performance in governance at all levels.

    He said: “After some 20 months in the saddle, it is perhaps time to ask the government to give a scorecard to the Nigerian people that went through a lot of odds to elect this government. How many jobs have the Federal Government and the 23 states controlled by the ruling party create in the course of the last 20 or so months, in furtherance of its pledge to Nigerians during the electioneering campaign.

    “We had stated in our past May Day and New Year messages, as well as other policy pronouncements, that we have some ideas on how we can create new and sustainable jobs.

    “Unfortunately, no one in government has thought it necessary to give us a hearing on what these ideas are, and what they entail. Presently, we are not even sure which ministry or agency of the government is the focal point on job creation.”

    The NLC welcomed the plan by the government to give five per cent of stolen funds to whistle blowers but expressed disappointment with the non-confirmation of the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu.

    He said: “The Nigeria Labour Congress welcomes the recent Federal government’s decision to institute reward of up to five per cent on recovered stolen funds to any successful whistle blower. This policy which was approved in December, by the Federal Executive Council, we understand is one of the recommendations of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption.

    “We also understand that a bill to support this policy is already before the National Assembly. We call on the National Assembly to give expedited hearing to the bill so that it could be signed into law by Mr. President in the first 3-6 months of the New Year.

    “In the interim, we urge the government to give serious thought to our demand for the protection of whistle blowers at the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri and the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, who have been made to bear the brunt of the anger of the Chief Executives of these institutions.”

    Wabba said the failure by the Senate to clear Magu after acting in that capacity for one year was a major setback to the anti-corruption crusade of the government.

    It added that the circumstances leading to the non-confirmation of Magu left many questions unanswered.

    “Is it not common practice that before such a nomination goes to the Senate,that the Executive arm normally ensures that the nominee to such sensitive positions gets security clearance?

    “This is of course without prejudice to the power of the National Assembly to ask for an independent report from any agency of government, if it deems it necessary in the course of its legislative and confirmative functions.

    “As NLC, we are worried that the President was unable to get such a key appointment through Senate confirmation. This is despite the fact that the President’s party – the APC – controls the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly.

    “We are equally concerned that an inter-agency conflict or rivalry might have played a role in the events leading to the non-confirmation of the EFCC chairman-designate.

    “Since these agencies are all part of the Executive arm, Mr. President clearly must take responsibility and rein them in so that they work in concert to implement government’s cardinal programmes.

    “The lesson from the non-confirmation of the EFCC chairman going forward is that the Executive arm must work with the Senate and its leadership to ensure that nominations into key and sensitive positions are treated speedily before they resume in the new positions.

    “This is because as we can see with the EFCC case, they’re bound to step on toes of vested interests in the course of their assignment. The longer they stay without confirmation in acting capacities, the more this affects their chances of being confirmed.

    “As NLC, as we have maintained right from the outset, we will continue to support the anti-corruption effort of the present administration, because of our belief that corruption is at the heart of our inability to develop to our full potentials as a nation.

    “We however urge the Federal government and all the anti-corruption agencies under it to act to avoid the perception gaining ground that only members of the opposition are targeted in the anti-corruption fight. Indeed a leading member of the opposition recently said that those defecting to APC are doing so to escape prosecution on corruption charges.

    On the state of power, Wabba said Nigerians had continued to have darkness rather than light, adding that three years after the rushed privatization of the power sector, things had moved from bad to worse.

    It recalled that in March 2015, the CBN gave N213 billion stabilisation facility to the new private owners of the power sector, adding that less than two years afterwards, the government is planning to secure another N309 billion bond for the electricity sector, without visible improvements in their services.

    He urged the government to muster the necessary political will to deal with the challenges of the power sector and either reverse the opaque privatization of the sector hurriedly done by the last administration, or ensure that those who run the sector provide electricity on regular basis and at rates consumer can afford.

  • Dubai property: EFCC chair silent on Buratai

    Dubai property: EFCC chair silent on Buratai

    The Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu yesterday refused to address issues relating to the property allegedly acquired by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Gen Tukur Buratai in Dubai.

    The question about the propriety of Buratai, as a career public servant, acquiring property in foreign country has dominated public discussion, with the COAS claiming to have procured the asset through savings.

    Magu attended a workshop on corruption in Abuja yesterday. He was accosted while exiting the venue by reporters, who sought to know what his agency was doing on the Gen. Buratai case.

    The EFCC boss, who waited for the reporters to finish, smiled and jumped into his car.

    While addressing the workshop, Magu expressed discomfort about the attitude of lawyers, who he said constitute a major “impediment to what we are doing.”

    He advocated the de-emphasis of human rights and other technicalities in dealing with corruption case. The chairman warned lawyers against constituting a stumbling block to the success of the effort to tame corruption in the society.

    Magu, who urged lawyers to support his agency’s efforts against corrupt individuals, argued that what should motivate every Nigerian today, should be national interest and the survival of the country.

    The event was a workshop on “anti-corruption, ethics of the legal profession and justice sector” organised by the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) and the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC).

    Magu said: “When I learnt about this event, I said let me rush to see these people, who have been causing a lot of impediment in the work we are doing.

    “And I said, let me come and beg you to please join us so that we can tackle corruption together in a better way. And it is to the betterment of our country. I want to appeal to you that we should play by the rules.

    “We should de-emphasise the issue of human rights. Frankly speaking, what is important now is the interest of the nation. We should put the interest of the nation ahead of any other interest,” Magu said.

    The EFCC boss, who lamented the volume of public funds taken out of the country, gave an instance where somebody took $2.1billion and transferred it out of the country. He was silent on the case and the person involved.

    Magu urged lawyers to always play by the rule and avoid being used by corrupt elements to pervert justice, adding that “what is important is the interest of the nation which should be placed above any other interest”

    He decried the attitude of some lawyers, who compromise their responsibility to the society and aid criminals to escape justice. He noted that lawyers have a greater stake in the anti-corruption war more than any other class of professionals.

    Magu, who reiterated his agency’s commitment towards curbing money laundering, said “we will not stop going after people who are involved in laundering money. It doesn’t matter who you are, the law is a respecter of nobody especially those who commit crime.

    “Whether you are EFCC, SAN or whatever, sooner or later we will start going after people who buy property with stolen funds as well as people who help others to escape justice”, Magu.

    He said the EFCC cannot stamp out corruption in the country without the support of stakeholders.

    “We consider everybody a stakeholder, as the EFCC does not have monopoly of knowledge to defeat all shades of graft”, Magu said.