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Tag: Ibrahim Magu

  • EFCC recorded 113 convictions in six months – Magu

    EFCC recorded 113 convictions in six months – Magu

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recorded 113 convictions nationwide between January and June, its Acting Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, said on Friday.

    Magu, according to a statement by the commission’s spokesman, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, told stakeholders at an interactive meeting that the convictions were made possible by their contributions and support.

    The EFCC boss reportedly vowed not to spare the corrupt despite the prevailing obstacles in the anti-graft war.

    “We will not fail to bring to book those who have corruptly stolen our commonwealth and thereafter organise to destabilise the anti-corruption initiatives.

    “I will not relent, I will fight for the interest of our citizens and our children’s future,” he said.

    Magu reiterated his position that corruption is at the root of recent separatist agitations in parts of the country, and urged all patriotic Nigerians to join forces against those tendencies.

    Civil society leaders, who spoke at the forum, urged the commission to step up its awareness creation activities on the prevention of corruption.

    They urged the EFCC to create communication strategies that would motivate the masses to join the anti-corruption crusade.

    NAN

     

  • Court to hear suit seeking Magu’s removal Oct. 10

    Court to hear suit seeking Magu’s removal Oct. 10

    The Federal High Court, Abuja, has fixed Oct. 10 to hear a matter filed by Johnmary Jideobi, a lawyer, seeking to remove Mr Ibrahim Magu as Acting Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    When the matter was called on Thursday, Mr Mohammed Shehu, counsel to one of the respondents, asked the court for an adjournment to enable him familiarise himself with the case.

    Shehu prayed the court to grant his request as this was his first appearance in the matter.

    Jideobi who represented himself, said he had no objection to the application for adjournment.

    Justice B.O Quadri adjourned the matter until Oct. 10 for hearing.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Jideobi is asking the court to make a pronouncement terminating the continuous stay of Magu as Acting Chairman of EFCC.

    He said that the Senate rejected Magu’s appointment and by virtue of that expediency, the commission being headed by an acting chairman ended when the president wrote requesting for a substantive chairman.

    However, the Federal Government, through the office of the Attorney- General of the Federation, objected to the application on certain terms.

    Counsel to the Federal Government, Mrs Maimuna Shiru, said that one of the terms had to do with the powers of the president to appoint a chairman for the EFCC, whether in acting or substantive capacity.

    Besides Magu, others named as defendants in the matter include the Senate, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the EFCC.

  • Anti-graft war: EFCC rewards 25 youths

    Anti-graft war: EFCC rewards 25 youths

    The EFCC has rewarded 25 youths with Net book laptops with Bribe Buster application for joining the Commission in the anti-corruption campaign through their art works.

    Mr Osita Nwajah, the Director, Public Affairs of the commission, presented the gifts to the youths during the launch of the Creative Youth Community Development Initiative (CYCDI), an NGO, in Lagos.

    Nwajah, who represented the commission’s Chairman, Mr Ibrahim Magu, said that the commission had been in a partnership with the Creative Youth Initiative against Corruption (CYIAC) sponsored by Prof. Wole Soyinka.

    According to him, the 25 recipients emerged from the three-month intensive creative programme organised by the commission to curb corruption through creative development.

    The director noted that the students, aged between nine and 14 years, showcased their talents in painting, drama, poetry and singing.

    “The Net Book, a mini laptop, is packaged with educational materials and Bribe Buster application; an animated video series for children and youth developed by TRACE International, USA, for the purpose of advancing commercial transparency worldwide.”

    Nwajah said that the commission was very delighted to be identified with the CYIAC, stressing that its involvement in the project was a deliberate effort at achieving a corrupt-free Nigeria.

    “Corruption is fighting back and it is easy to be discouraged; but the EFCC will do all it can within its powers to ensure that corruption is fought to the barest minimum.

    “One of the ways to achieve the preventive mandate of the commission is to support this initiative. The CYIAC is a corruption preventive initiative of the EFCC.

    “It kicked off in October 2016 and is committed to lead change in children and youth by eradicating corruption through character (attitude) and skill (aptitude) development for the positive advancement of Nigeria,” he said.

    Earlier, Mr Foluke Michael, the Project Director of the CYIAC, said that the project was aimed at creating corruption awareness in children and youths, adding that the objective had been achieved through various forms of art.

    The Chairperson of CYCDI, Chief Oyenike Okundaye, in her remark, said that her organization would provide the necessary support and platform to ensure that CYCDI delivered its objectives of building a new Nigeria.

    She said that the platform would engage children, youths, women and the creative community for the advancement of the nation.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that CYCDI is an NGO that aims to empower children, youths and women through creative development, to support the creative industry.

    It also seeks to support other community development projects by promoting creativity, entrepreneurial skills, empowerment programmes and wealth creation in children, youths and women in Africa.

  • Budget padding allegations: EFCC invites Jibrin 

    Budget padding allegations: EFCC invites Jibrin 

    The suspended former Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, Rep. Abdulmumin Jibrin, has been invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Jibrin’s invitation is based on his allegations on budget padding against the leadership of the House and to answer questions concerning money looted through padding in the 2016 budget.

    The EFCC’s letter of invitation to Jibrin dated June 9 was signed by the acting Head of Extractive Industry Grid Section, Mr Michael Wetkas.

    It said: “The commission has commenced investigation into the petition of corrupt practices and abuses of office reported on 1st August, 2016, by Hammart and Co. (Tafida Chambers) on your behalf against Hon. Yakubu Dogara, Hon. Yussuf Lasun, Hon. Alhassan Doguwa, Hon. Leonard Ogor and others.

    “In furtherance of the investigation and due to unfolding findings, it has become imperative to request that you attend another interview with the team.

    “Through Ibrahim Ahmed on 13th June 2017 at the 3rd floor Block A, No.5 Fomelu street, off Adetokumbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja, at 10 a.m. to clarify some issues to enable us conclude investigation”.

    Jibrin in a statement on Monday in Abuja confirmed receipt of the letter.

    He said: “Today, I received invitation from the EFCC for another interview to clarify some issues to enable the commission conclude investigation on my petition against some principal officers of the House on 2016 budget fraud, corruption and abuse of office.

    “This is a welcome development as it is coming at a time that many Nigerians have lost hope that the outcome of my petition will not see the light of the day.

    “I have severally maintained that I have full confidence in the EFCC under the Chairmanship of Ibrahim Magu.

    “I am also aware that the EFCC have been investigating the petition I submitted and far reaching discoveries were made.

    “It is also noteworthy that this invitation is coming at a time that some revelations were made last week.

    “The revelations with details of how the Minority Leader of the House, Leo Ogor, used his company where he is the signatory to the accounts to execute constituency project contracts completely against the laws of our land.

    “It is however worrisome that in his response, Ogor admitted the offence and even boosted that there is nothing wrong in what he did as quoted by the nation’s newspaper.

    “Let me state emphatically clear that any Member or Senator who used his company or companies with links to him to execute constituency project contracts, whether such contracts are executed or not has committed an offence.

    “Either way you look at it, he can be prosecuted on charges of corruption or abuse of office.

    “The case of Leo Ogor is same or even worst than that of Babachir Lawal yet the entire National Assembly has maintained an embarrassing silence.

    “Is my boss, Senate President and Chairman of National Assembly, Sen. Bukola Saraki aware of this?

    “In due course I will expose a lot of other issues in the 2017 budget that will shock Nigerians whether the authority decides to act on it or not.”

  • Nigeria to host 8th Commonwealth Africa anti-corruption conference

    Nigeria to host 8th Commonwealth Africa anti-corruption conference

    Nigeria has been picked to host the 8th regional conference of anti-corruption agencies in Commonwealth Africa in 2018, according to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    EFCC spokesman, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said on Thursday that the decision was taken at the 7th edition of the conference held in Malawi on June 2.

    In addition, the EFCC Acting Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, has been appointed vice chairman of the executive committee of the association.

    These are some of the outcomes of five days of intense deliberation by the anti-graft chiefs, Uwujaren said.

    According to him, the conference featured a review of the progress of anti-corruption campaigns in African member states of the commonwealth.

    In a communiqué, the participants emphasised the need for “a platform for sharing emerging practices and country innovation in the fight against corruption to enhance good governance.”

    They also urged the agencies to create a platform for intelligence and data sharing for effective asset recovery.

    The agencies were also encouraged to continue with benchmarking visits to maintain learning and sharing of ideas and experience.

    The conference further stressed the need for members to expand the network with other sectors, including the African Union Advisory Board on Corruption, civil society, media and the private sector to enhance the anti-corruption war.

    Other issues that engaged the attention of participants included the need for the agencies to deepen innovation for prevention education and investigation in the fight against corruption.

    They were urged to consider implementing “Whistle blower legislation for effective protection of whistleblowers”.

    Furthermore, the conference called on member countries to continue to support the anti-corruption agencies with adequate funding and capacity development for effective performance.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that there are 19 African countries in the Commonwealth, which is an intergovernmental organisation of 52 member states that are mostly former colonies of Britain.

     

  • EFCC secures 340 convictions in six months

    EFCC secures 340 convictions in six months

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday  said it had secured 340 convictions and recovered billions of dollars  in  stolen funds within  the last six months.

    EFCC Acting Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, represented by the commission’s  Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Adegboyega, said this in Abuja at the launch of   law enforcement and public engagement project   in Nigeria.

    The CLEEN Foundation in collaboration with the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Office of the U.S.Embassy in Nigeria initiated  the project.

    Adegboyega,  who dismissed  the claim  that the EFCC  recorded only few convictions,  said  the commission  recorded more convictions than any  anti-graft agency  in the country.

    The secretary also said that the success  recorded by the commission was  hinged on the  outcomes from the courts, adding that  the responsibility of the commission was to investigate and charge suspects to court.

    “We do not have the control over the courts, we cannot tele-guide the courts; what happened  in the courts  is beyond the control of EFCC,” he said.

    While noting that the rate of corruption was on the rise,  he said the commission was committed to the task of tackling the menace.

    Adegboyega, who  said that the EFCC had a robust platform in conjunction with Interpol to track down corrupt persons, gave an assurance  that there would be no  safe haven for unscrupulous persons.

    He, however,  called for synergy among anti-graft agencies,  stressing that only this would guarantee success in the anti-corruption campaign.

    The Deputy Inspector General of Police, Operations, Joshak Habilla,  said that  law enforcement agencies  must  be accountable to the public.

    Habilla also urged the security agencies to  engage in activities that would eradicate   corruption in the country.

    He urged members of the  public  to hold police officers liable whenever they err.

    The representative of the  U.S. Embassy,  Aruna Amirthanayagam,  said that the goal of the project was to strengthen relations between criminal justice actors, anti-graft agencies  and citizens through effective communication.

    “This pilot project will focus on supporting the EFCC and the Nigeria Police Force to provide timely and relevant information to the public on their efforts to fight crime and corruption.

    “Over the past year, the U.S. Embassy has been working closely with civil society, Nigeria Police and the EFCC on various initiatives to enhance government transparency, improve security  and investigate and prosecute complex financial crimes.

    “This project supports those efforts by enhancing communication with the public and building trust with law enforcement organisations,” he said.

    The Executive Director of  CLEEN Foundation, Benson Olugbuo,  stressed the need to enhance public confidence in the criminal justice actors such as the police and EFCC.

    He advocated for a system that operates zero tolerance for corruption  while  promoting  open communication in  Nigeria’s law enforcement institutions.

    Olugbuo said this would help  reduce the potentials to partake in acts of  corruption and Nigeria’s socio-economic development would  be significantly improved.

  • I did not order arrest of judges – Buhari

    I did not order arrest of judges – Buhari

    Following the arrest, last year of some Federal High Court Judges and Supreme Court Justices, an Abakaliki based lawyer, Onu John Onwe have dragged President Muhammadu Buhari, and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, to court.

    Also joined in the suit are the Director of State Security Services (DSS), Lawal Daura, Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu and National Judicial Council (NJC).

    The DSS had in a commando-style on the night of 7th and 8th of October 2016 raided the homes of some judges, searched their residences, arrested and detained them.

    Some of the Judges including Justice Nwali Ngwuta of the Supreme court are still standing trial for alleged corruption.

    Apparently worried at the manner the whole operation was conducted, the treatment metted out to the judges, and its legal and political implication on the rule of law and activities of the judiciary, Onwe filed a suit at the Federal High Court sitting in Abakaliki accusing the defendants of not acting in accordance with the rule of law.

    RELATED: Why Corrupt Judges must be punished – Sagay

    Onwe also accused the President and Mr Malami of prevailing upon the NJC to suspend the said Judges and Justices from their offices and performance of their judicial functions.

    Onwe in an affidavit he deposed in support of the originating summons, said the President, the Attorney General and the NJC did not follow due process as stated in sections 292 (1) and Paragraph 21(1) of the third schedule to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the arrest, suspension and arraignment of the judges.

    He also claimed that the actions of the defendants induce insecurities in the judiciary and judiciary officers in the discharge of their duties and indeed in the enforcement of the fundamental human rights guaranteed under Chapter 4 of the Constitution of the Federal republic of Nigeria 199 as amended.

    When the matter came up for a preliminary hearing Friday, the plaintiff who also doubles as the Counsel to the Plaintiff, Onu John Onwe told the court that some of the defendants including  Buhari, Attorney –General, DSS, IGP and NJC have been served while the EFCC have not been served.

    Onwe who is the plaintiff and counsel to the plaintiff had told the court that the court bailiff had gone to the EFCC twice to serve the anti-graft agency but that the agency refused to accept the service.

    Onwe noted that he instituted the suit to check the excesses of the executive, describing the invasion of judges homes in the midnight as unconstitutional and a flagrant abuse of rule of law.

    What we are concerned about is the interpretation of certain provisions of the constitution.  We are not contesting the fact even though the defendants are saying that I don’t have the locus standi to challenge their actions because it affects the whole nation, that one person cannot come and say that he is aggrieved on their action but I am aggrieved because their action is affecting me as a lawyer and that is why I am challenging their action. I don’t feel secure in my practice and also as a olitician – Onwe.

    Samuel Ede who is counsel to the National Judicial Council explained that the plaintiff is challenging the arrest of some Judges.

    “This matter is what the plaintiff called an unlawful invasion of the various homes of Judges and Justices of the Supreme court.  He said it has put his practice as a Lawyer on line or at stake. This matter concerns NJC because it is the body in charge of laws in Nigeria, it is a supervisory body.

    RELATED: Judgement without justice

    “The plaintiff is in a position to appraise the matter but this court is in a position to take its position on it”, he said.

    However, President Buhari and the Attorney General of the Federation, who are the 1st and 2nd respondents in the matter, have denied issuing the orders for the invasion and arrest of the judges and justices of the federal high courts and supreme courts.

    According to a counter affidavit filed by Counsel to the President and the Attorney, Mr Balla Ali, the duo in paragraph 8 succinctly denied that the orders for the invasion and subsequent arrest were issued by the Buhari.

    “That it is not true that the orders for the act of siege and invasion of residences of the said judges and justices of the Federal High Courts and the Supreme Court of Nigeria were made by the 1st Defendant, neither did the 2nd Defendant issue any such statement owning and/or accepting responsibility for giving order and or directive authorizing the Department of State Security operatives nor agents to carry out any acts of siege, invasion nor searches of residences, arrests nor detentions of any such judges and justices for several hours in the DSS detension cells until the said judges and justices were released at any order of the 1st Defendant”, he said.

    The Presiding Judge, Justice Akintola Aluko, however, insisted that EFCC must be served before the matter can commence for proper hearing and adjourned till June 12 for hearing.

     

  • Why Magu visited Rivers Chief Judge – EFCC

    Why Magu visited Rivers Chief Judge – EFCC

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has cleared the air on the visit of its Acting Chairman, Mr Ibrahim Magu to the Chief Judge of Rivers on Monday.

    It said that contrary to speculation, the visit was not connected to any of its cases pending before the chief judge, Justice Adama Iyayi-Lamikanra.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the clarification was made in a statement issued by the Spokesman of the EFCC, Mr Wilson Uwujaren on Tuesday.

    Uwujaren said Magu’s visit to Iyayi-Lamikanra was a courtesy call as part of his working visit to the headquarters of the South South zonal office of the commission in Port Harcourt.

    “Apart from the Chief Judge, Magu also visited the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Zaki Ahmed.

    “Indeed, it is a matter of routine courtesy for the EFCC boss to visit critical stakeholders, particularly law enforcement and justice sector leaders in zones where the commission maintain offices.

    “Such gestures are not meant to compromise or influence them to favour the commission in the discharge of their responsibilities,’’ he explained.

    The EFCC spokesman said the clarification was in reaction to a report in a national daily purporting that the visit was causing disquiet in the state.

    He quoting the report as saying “the state House of Assembly is considering passing a resolution calling for the suspension of the chief judge for receiving Magu’’.

    Uwujaren said an anonymous source told the paper that the lawmakers believed the visit had put the Chief Judge under pressure, and that it was wrong for Magu to visit a judge over any case.

    Uwujaren noted that the visit was pursuant to the commission’s belief that it had a shared responsibility with other workers in the justice delivery system to promote the fight against corruption.

    According to him, visits such as this one offer the commission the opportunity to share experiences and remind the hosts of their responsibilities under the EFCC Act, especially as it concerns the designation of judges to handle EFCC cases.

    “Justice Laminkara is not the first Chief Judge to host Magu and it will be distasteful to malign her over a civilised gesture of receiving a head of a federal agency.

    “Many judges have hosted Magu without a whimper from any quarter. Before now, the EFCC boss visited the Chief Judges of Lagos, Ogun and Oyo States.

    “At the federal level, he has paid courtesy visits to the Chief Judges of the Federal High Court, the Federal Capital Territory High Court and the President of the Court of Appeal.

    “These visits have not stopped the commission from losing cases before judges under the supervision of these respected judicial officials,’’ he said.

  • NASS has nothing against Magu – Sen. Gobir

    NASS has nothing against Magu – Sen. Gobir

    Senator Ibrahim Abdullahi Gobir (APC-Sokoto)  on Saturday said the Senate has nothing against the Economic and Financial ‎Crimes Commission (EFCC) acting Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, explaining that it is purely  an executive issue and not the National Assembly.

    The lawmaker said the National Assembly only acted in line with the principle  of separation of powers as enshrined in the constitution of Nigeria, stressing that NASS should not ‎be seen as responsible for the happenings.

    Gobir, who shed  more light on the matter while speaking to newsmen in Sokoto, said the senate only acted on the report of the DSS which is an agency under the presidency, adding” both the EFCC and DSS are agencies directly under the presidency. Therefore, it’s an executive issue. So, Nigerians should not shift blames on the senate.”

    According to the Chairman, Committee on Senate Services, the legislative arm has to respect the mandate of the electorate and carry out its functions based on the principle of ‎separation of powers to ensure that democracy was protected and on course.

    “We cannot jeopardise ‎the mandate of  representation by our various constituents and or compromise  the provisions of the constitution which is the guiding document in a democratic setting.” NASS is a legitimate and respected democratic institution that should be working for the entrenchment of the system without compromising any process of legislation”, he explained.

    ‎He said the three arms of government; the executive, legislative and judiciary were key to the
    entrenchment of democracy, noting that the trio had to work together to transform the system in line with basic principles.

    According to Gobir who represents Sokoto East senatorial zone in the National Assembly, “Nigerians  need to have confidence in us so that we can all be proud of  our collective and participatory roles‎ in deepening democracy”, he appealed.

     

  • World Bank support to EFCC in capacity building

    The World Bank is to support the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the areas of facilities and capacity building to further strengthen the anti-graft war in the country.

    A statement by the commission spokesman, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said the bank’s Director of Governance, Global Practice, Dr. Edward Olowo-Okere, gave the indication when he visited the EFCC head office in Abuja.

    Uwujaren quoted Olowo-Okere as saying that the assistance would be rendered under an operation of the World Bank called “Economic Governance Project.”

    “It is supposed to be a follow-up project to the one approved by the World Bank in 2004,” Olowo-Okere said.

    The World Bank director lauded the commission for the tremendous feat it had attained in the last 14 years of its establishment.

    Responding, the EFCC acting Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, commended the bank for its assistance, saying it had contributed in no small measure to the successes recorded by the commission so far.

    NAN