The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ibrahim Magu

  • High profile cases: AGF denies rift with EFCC

    High profile cases: AGF denies rift with EFCC

    …Speaks of plans for national justice policy

     

    The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami (SAN) Thursday waved aside speculation about a rift between him and the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu on the handling of high profile criminal cases.

    A recent letter from the office of the AGF had directed the EFCC to forward files on about 35 high profile cases, involving ex-governors and other prominent individuals to his AGF’s office for vetting and further directive.

    The directive ignited speculation about a possible rift between the AGF and Magu, with many expressing doubt about the AGF’ true intention. Some even claimed the directive was a prelude to the AGF’s office eventual takeover of the cases.

    Speaking in Abuja Thursday, Malami said there was no rift between his office and the EFCC leadership.

    Malami, who was reacting to questions from journalists after an event held in his office, said he did not believe the letter to the EFCC was an evidence of a right between his office and the EFCC or that his office intended to take over the cases.

    Earlier, Malami spoke about a forthcoming “national summit on justice,” slated for August 8 and 10 in Abuja. He also unveiled the upgraded Federal Ministry of Justice’s website and Freedom of Information (FOI) Compliance portal.

    Malami said the summit, to be attended by stakeholders in the nation’s justice sector, was intended to consider, adopt and validate the draft National Policy on Justice (NPJ), developed by a technical committee constituted by the Federal Ministry of Justice in 2016.

    On the need for a national justice policy, the AGF said: “Given the challenges militating against an effective administration of justice and the peculiarity of our federal system, there is the need to harmonize and integrate the various reforms initiatives into a clearly articulated National Justice Policy.

    “The policy is expected to clearly define Nigeria’s political philosophy with respect to justice delivery and provide a common direction for the justice sector stakeholders across the nation.

    “The policy, in broad term, is expected to set out a common vision and provide the guidelines for promoting an effective justice system that guarantees the freedom of the people and socio-economic development of the nation.

    “This policy will therefore, serve as a policy framework upon which relevant institutions can situate regulations and legislation in line with best practices and principles,” Malami said.

    While unveiling the upgraded website and FOI portal, Malami. Said the initiatives were in line with the objective of the Muhammadu Buhari administration to ensure transparency in the condut of government affairs.

    He said: “I am pleased to noted that the FOI portal launched today will not only help in the effective implementation of the FOI Act, but will go a long way in fulfilling the President’s Open Government Partnership (OGP) commitments in the area of access to information as manifested in the OGP national action plan.

    *As a government, we will remain focused, bold and result oriented in delivering on the promises of President Muhammadu Buhari, aimed at providing good governance to the Nigerian people,” Malami said.

     

  • We must maintain current tempo of anti-graft war – Magu

    We must maintain current tempo of anti-graft war – Magu

    The Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu, said on Thursday Nigeria must maintain the current tempo of anti-corruption campaign in order to end corruption in the country.

    He stated this at an anti-corruption conference organized by the National Orientation Agency (NOA), EFCC, National Human Rights Commission and HERDA Resource Centre in Abuja.

    The theme of the conference was – “Corruption and Human Rights in Nigeria: Realizing Fundamental Human Rights through Multi-stakeholders’ Fights Against Corruption.”

    Magu, who urged Nigerians not to be discouraged that corruption was being celebrated by the society, said the fight should be sustained.

    According to him, Nigeria has the right political goodwill which is important to fighting corruption.

    He said: “We should have the will to win and I am telling you if we maintain the tempo we will win.

    “We should not be discouraged that corruption is being celebrated. I think we should maintain it. It should not be discouraged. This is the only country where they said stealing, bribery and others should not be punished.

    “We have passed the level of trying to see the cause of corruption. We should find a solution to corruption. We must fight corruption. We should insist on fighting corruption.”

     

  • Anti-graft war: Opinion poll rates Magu high in 25 countries

    Anti-graft war: Opinion poll rates Magu high in 25 countries

    An opinion poll conducted by the United Kingdom based Global Peace Movement International on Friday revealed that the Acting Chairman of the  Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu, got endorsements from respondents in 25 countries

    A statement issued by the President-General of the movement, Dr. Mike Uyi, said Magu had been endorsed by respondents in  25 leading nations of the world for his efforts  to combat and eliminate corruption in the country.

    He explained that the decision to conduct the poll by Global Peace Movement International was based on the need for an international survey to be carried out by an independent body.

    He said the EFCC chairman secured more than 96 percent endorsement in the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Russia, Canada, China and Belgium.

    He said the Global Peace Movement International would continue to be in the lead in the promotion of human rights, dignity and good governance around the world.

    Uyi said the results of survey on other public elected or appointed officials in Nigeria would soon be released to the public.

    According to the report, respondents from the U.S led the list of countries that endorsed the EFCC chairman with 92 percent responding in favour of the work Magu was doing, while seven percent responded in the negative.

    The UK respondents were with a 96 per cent affirmative, while four percent responded no.

    In France: 85 percent of respondents affirmed, while 11 declined.

    Other results of the polls by Global Peace Movement International showed that 90 per cent of the respondents in Germany voted in favour of the EFCC chairman, while 10 percent disapproved. Russia had 62 percent in favour of Magu, while 29 percent disapproved. Greece was 73 percent in favour, with 22 percent the other way.

     

  • Magu challenges CSOs on close monitoring of NDDC projects

    Magu challenges CSOs on close monitoring of NDDC projects

    Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ibrahim Magu, has urged Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the South-South to closely monitor contract award and execution by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    Magu made the call in Port-Harcourt at an interactive session with CSO leaders in Rivers and Bayelsa states on Monday, the commission said in a statement.

    According to him, proper monitoring of contract award and implementation by citizens is an effective way of fighting the evil of project abandonment in the country.

    “We must monitor how contracts are being given and how they are executed to ensure transparency and accountability.

    “Also, civil society groups are needed to work with the EFCC in ensuring that right things are done, not only in respect of contract issues but also in all other issues.

    “Let people do the right thing within the South-South.

    “If people do the right thing it is for the benefit of the people of the Niger Delta”, spokesman of the commission, Mr Wilson Uwujaren, quoted him as saying.

    The EFCC boss also called on the CSO leaders to be ready to serve as a bridge between the commission and the larger public.

    He decried the rising rate of poverty within the South-South, noting that money meant for the development of the region was not accounted for.

    He, therefore, challenged them to work towards ending corruption in the region by sensitising youths and other interest groups about the evils of the menace.

    Magu stated that for CSOs to rise to the new responsibilities thrust on them, they must be committed, properly-involved and courageous. .

    “We are coming together to adopt a common strategy, be committed and properly involved. You need patience, perseverance and courage.

    “They will fight you because corruption always fights back but they cannot overcome you because you are doing the right thing”, he said.

    The National Director, Coalition of NGOs Against Corruption, Mr Haris Chuma, commended the EFCC on behalf of the CSOs.

    Chuma said the tempo of the fight against corruption had significantly increased since Magu came on board.

    He promised that the group would show more commitment and responsibility in the new roles offered them by the EFCC.

    “We are willing and ready to work with the commission to bring corruption to an end’’, he said.

  • Senator allegedly embezzled N47billion while a Governor

    Senator allegedly embezzled N47billion while a Governor

    Seven lawmakers on trial for ‘money laundering’

    Eighteen senators are under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged N367.5billion fraud, it was learnt yesterday.

    Seven are on trial. Some of the cases date back to 10 years.

    A senator is being investigated for alleged stamp duty infractions.

    One or two Senators (outside the list) are under investigation for their alleged involvement in the N19billion and $86million London-Paris Club refund in which seven governors have been implicated.

    The Nation stumbled on a fact-sheet which indicates that 11 of the senators under investigation are from the North. The others are from the South.

    Those facing trial include two from Northcentral, three from Northwest, one from Northeast and one from Southeast.

    Those being investigated cut across the six-geopolitical zones.

    Most of the N367.5billion alleged fraud border on money laundering, misappropriation, unexecuted contracts, diversion of public funds to campaigns, and others.

    In one of the cases, a senator is being probed for alleged diversion of about N108billion while he was a governor in one of the states in the South-South.

    A senator allegedly embezzled about N47billion when he was a governor. Investigators believe he was aided by his wife and son.

    A senator is standing trial for alleged mismanagement of N1.2billion ecological funds; another allegedly diverted to other uses N1billion meant for the repair of a collapsed dam.

    The other strands of the fraud include laundering of N40billion by a senator from the North-East; diversion of N3billion to the campaign by a North-West Senator; 149-count charge of mismanagement of N15billion by a senator from the North-Central and the arraignment of a North-West senator for allegedly N52billion fraud.

    There are N9billion case involving a senator from the South-East; N2.1billion contract fraud by a member of the Upper Chamber from the South-South; N10.2billion fraud traced to a senator from the North-West and N2billion diverted funds credited to a senator from the North-Central.

    Two aides of a senator, who is being probed for alleged illegal deduction of N3.5billion from the London-Paris Club refund have been quizzed.

    Three new senators from the North-Central, South-East and South-West have been under investigation for some infractions, including alleged Stamp Duty collection fraud.

    An EFCC source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The case files of all these 18 senators are already with us. Seven of them are already on trial.

    “But, certainly, 11 others will be prosecuted at the appropriate time. It may interest you that some agencies in a few international jurisdictions are interested in some of the cases against some of these senators.

    “It might also interest you that some of these cases predated the appointment of the present Acting Chairman of EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Magu. But since continuity is a cardinal principle of the EFCC, Magu has decided to ensure that the matters in court are pursued to logical conclusion. There is also no waiver for all cases undergoing investigation.”

    In response to a question, the source added: “Magu has no personal problem with any senator. He inherited most of these cases.”

    Meanwhile, it was learnt that some of the senators have also made a “strong case for the discontinuation of either their investigation or prosecution by the EFCC as part of the conditions for supporting  Magu.

    “In one of the lobbying sessions, a senator from the North-East said he committed no crime to have been subjected to trial by the EFCC.

    “Although a Senator from the North-Central was aggrieved, he was reported to have said: ‘I won’t block the nomination of Magu because he is probing me. I have forgiven him. But I know I did not commit any fraud and I will be vindicated in the end.”

  • ‘Magu’s rejection more of politics than legal’

    ‘Magu’s rejection more of politics than legal’

    •CJN’s ruling boosts confidence

    The row over the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu, assumed a new dimension yesterday, with the Presidency insisting that his nomination does not require the confirmation of the Senate.

    It based its decision on an advisory prepared by judicial and legal experts on Section 171 of the 1999 Constitution.

    The advisory unearthed a ruling of the Supreme Court on the matter where the Chief Justice of the Nigeria (CJN), before his elevation as CJN, had ruled in line with the view of the Presidency on the matter.

    The CJN, Justice Walter Onnoghen, had ruled that the Constitution overrides any provision of an Act /Statute.

    But the Presidency said it will await the judicial review of Section 171 for the final say on Magu.

    The details of the advisory were obtained last night by our correspondent.

    The legal advisory asked the Presidency to await a judicial pronouncement on Section 171.

    The source said: “In fact, the conclusion of the legal advisory on the matter is very clear that a judicial pronouncement preferably by the Supreme Court is what will settle the matter.”

    Some extracts from the legal advisory states: “The divergent positions being held by the Executive and the Legislature on the subject of confirmation …is one that requires timely and ultimate resolution.

    “Such resolution could only be reached through the judicial process…Such interpretation would lay to rest the lingering crises between the two arms.”

    Concerning the issue of the Acting EFCC Chairman, the legal advisory concluded that “the rumblings in the discourse on the confirmation of the EFCC Chairman have more to do with politics than with the law.

    “It is trite that, by the rule of ejusdem generis, any office to which Section 171 or other Sections of the Constitution do not confer on the Senate the power of confirmation of appointment to such office cannot be imported and accorded equal footing as the mentioned offices.”

    The advisory affirmed the powers of the President to appoint in acting capacity into positions such as the EFCC chairmanship.

    It also clarified that “in the recent past, the ministerial nomination of late Prof. Abraham Babalola Borishade (Ekiti State) by President Olusegun Obasanjo was rejected repeatedly by the Senate.”

    “In fact, it would be recalled that this particular nomination was presented four times in 18 months before it was eventually confirmed by the Senate.

    “This position is because of the long established and entrenched principle of law that any legislation that is inconsistent with the provision of the Constitution is null and void and of no effect whatsoever to the extent of such inconsistency. (See the Supreme Court cases of DR. OLUBUKOLA ABUBAKAR SARAKI v. FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA (2016) LPELR-40013 (SC) and CHIEF ISAAC EGBUCHU v. CONTINENTAL MERCHANT BANK PLC & ORS (2016) LPELR-40053 (SC).”

  • Alleged libel: Court grants Magu’s request for substituted service on Sun newspaper

    Alleged libel: Court grants Magu’s request for substituted service on Sun newspaper

    Justice Josephine Oyefeso of an Ikeja High Court has ordered that a motion exparte  filed by Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu be served on three journalists working with the Sun Newspaper.

    The EFCC boss had earlier this year sued the Sun Newspaper before the Lagos High Court over what he claims were false and malicious publications against his person.

    Joined in the suit as co-defendants are the Editor, Saturday Sun, Fred Itua, James Ojo and Lawrence Enyoghase.

    Counsel to Magu, Mr Wahab Shittu Wednesday moved a motion exparte seeking to serve the originating processes on the three reporters who authored the publication by pasting it on their last known address given at No. 2 Coscharis Street, Off Happy Home Avenue, Kirikiri Industrial Layout, Apapa, Lagos.

    The court granted the request of the EFCC counsel for substituted service.

    The EFCC boss  is seeking N5billion compensation for the alleged  libellous imputations and statements made against him in a story published  March 25, 2017 edition of the Saturday Sun.

    The report had alleged that the EFCC Boss purchased for himself  two mansions on different streets in the highbrow Maitama area of Abuja.

    Magu is however contending that the publication captioned “Magu under Fresh Probe over 2 Abuja Mansions” and authored by Fred Itua, James Ojo and Lawrene Enyoghasu, “willfully and maliciously made false, destructive, and defamatory statements against him

    Magu however maintained that neither himself nor his wife owned any property in Maitama.

    In addition to the demand for N5 billion compensation, Magu demanded that the publishers  issue a public apology and immediate retraction in writing of these false libelous statements, within seven days of the publication.

    Sun Newspapers refused to published a retraction prompting Magu to eventually file the suit.

    Justice Oyefeso has adjourned the matter to November 15, 2017 for trial.

     

  • ‘Insistence on Magu as EFCC boss violates democracy’

    ‘Insistence on Magu as EFCC boss violates democracy’

    A former Attorney-General of Ebonyi, Mr Benjamin Igwenyi, said the Presidency was undermining checks and balances principle by insisting that Ibrahim Magu remained Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman.

    Igwenyi, a constitutional lawyer, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

    He said that the statement credited to the presidency on the issue violated the constitutional mandate of the National Assembly to confirm nominees.

    The presidency had on Thursday said that Magu would remain the EFCC boss even with the refusal of the Senate to confirm his appointment.

    Speaking through Gov. Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State at the inauguration of EFCC zonal office in Kaduna, Acting President Yemi Osinbajo said Magu would remain in office for the tenure of the present administration.

    According to Igwenyi, the presidency`s statement was in the wrong direction because it undermined the practice of checks and balance, the foundation of every progressive democracy.

    “He should have been more polite in saying what he wanted to say.
    The law was made that the chairman of the EFCC should be cleared by the Senate.

    “The law made provisions for the appointment of the chairman and that law was affirmed by the president in accordance with the Constitution.

    “Somebody’s name was submitted pursuant to that law; he was rejected the first time by the people. The second time, he was also rejected by the people, which by implication means that Nigerians have rejected the man.

    “And, the president in his personal wisdom feels that that man must be there. Why must it be Magu? Don’t we have other officers who can serve? There are so many of them.

    “The three arms of government should have respect for themselves because in law, nobody is bigger.

    “The national assembly has the power of confirmation.

    “If a public officer has been turned down twice during screening, even if the person is in acting capacity, it means you need to bring a replacement for that individual.

    “I think what the acting president should concern himself with is posterity, because whatever you do, are for the upcoming generation to come and see.

    “We should avoid laying precedence that will have capability of consuming us as a nation,’’ Igwenyi said.

     

  • Nobody can remove Magu as EFCC chairman – Osinbajo

    Nobody can remove Magu as EFCC chairman – Osinbajo

    Acting President Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday cleared the air on the controversy surrounding the status of Ibrahim Magu as Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), saying Magu cannot be removed by anybody.

    Osinbajo spoke through Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai shortly before the commissioning of the EFCC zonal office in Kaduna.

    This came just as the EFCC chief called for establishment of special prison for corrupt Nigerians in Sambisa forest.

    Osinbajo said he held talks with President Muhammadu Buhari on the issue, adding that the President insisted that Magu would remain the EFCC chairman.

    The acting President said: “We have every confidence in Magu to fight corruption to a standstill. He would remain the EFCC chairman as long as I remain the acting President and as well as Muhammadu Buhari remains the President.

    “It is our belief that Magu would continue to remain a nightmare for corrupt people for years to come.

    In his welcome address, Governor El-Rufai said he had recovered over N500 million from corrupt past government officials and contractors without anybody knowing.

    He, however, added that those corrupt officials will be handed over to the EFCC in due course for prosecution.

    According to the governor, he encouraged the establishment of EFCC zonal office in Kaduna because the state has zero tolerance for financial irregularities.

    On the location of prison in Sambisa forest, Magu urged the judicial arm of government should cooperate with EFCC for the prison to become a reality.

    He said: “We want to call for establishment of prison in Sambisa forest in order to keep away corrupt people from our midst.

    “In this case, the judiciary has direct influence to help in the fight against corruption.

    “But concerted efforts are being made by some big Nigerians to neutralise the fight against corruption.

    “We must change the narrative by fighting back those that do not want the fight to succeed.”

     

  • Senate to Osinbajo: Remove Magu now

    Senate to Osinbajo: Remove Magu now

    The Senate on Tuesday demanded that the acting President Yemi Osinbajo must obey the resolutions of the Senate, including the immediate removal of the acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu.

    It also suspended all confirmation of appointments until compliance with its resolution.

    Recall that the confirmation of the Chairman of the EFCC, who was appointed in Acting capacity by President Muhammadu Buhari on November 9, 2015, was first rejected by the Senate on December 15, 2017, and has consistently been rejected.

    Upon his appointment, Magu said he was committed to the anti-corruption war, drawing a connection between the economic challenges facing the country and the endemic corruption in the country.

    Similarly, on December 15, the Senate after a lengthy closed session drafted the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, to address journalists and announce the rejection of the Magu’s nomination.

    Abdullahi said Senate’s decision not to confirm Magu was due to unfavourable security reports against his nomination. He, however, did not give details of the security reports that stopped Magu’s confirmation as EFCC chief.