The embattled chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu was suspended by the Nigerian Presidency, on Wednesday 8th July 2020.
His suspension comes a day after he was grilled by an inter-agency presidential panel on allegations of Corruption.
Magu was replaced by Mohammed Umar, director of operations at the EFCC as the new acting chairman of the agency.
According to reports, a top official of the commission confirmed that Umar has taken charge of the agency in the absence of Ibrahim Magu.
Policemen search Ibrahim Magu’s house
Policemen attached to the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department on Tuesday 7th July 2020, searched the home of the suspended acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Magu.
A top police officer told reporters that the policemen searched Magu’s house located on Abduljalil Street, Karu Site, on the outskirts of Abuja, for several hours and made away with vital documents.
The policemen who carried out the search were said to be the same ones who arrested Magu on Monday.
The officer told the Punch newspaper, “On Tuesday evening, a team of policemen stormed the home of Magu in Karu. That is the house where Magu used to live before he moved to Maitama after his appointment as EFCC chairman.
“The policemen made away with some items and everything will be processed as investigations continue.”
Magu was detained for a second day
Magu was detained for a second day after answering questions from the panel for over five hours on Tuesday. He was subsequently taken into custody again at about 7 pm.
Magu may be brought before the Force Disciplinary Committee made up of deputy inspectors-general of police for trial and possible dismissal.
A top security agent said since Magu is a Commissioner of Police, he cannot be charged until he is properly dismissed from the police.
He said, “After the panel has finished sitting and once Magu is found wanting on any of the 24 allegations, he would be made to face the Force Disciplinary Committee which comprises the DIGs. The committee would make a recommendation to the IG who would in turn forward the report to the Police Service Commission. The PSC would then do the needful.
“Magu already has an existing disciplinary case in his police file. So, as a second-time offender, dismissal would be very easy.”
Magu moves his personal belongings out of his official residence
Ibrahim Magu on Wednesday 8th July 2020, moved his personal belongings out of his official residence in Maitama.
Magu gets two days to prepare legal defence
The presidential panel investigating graft allegations against Ibrahim Magu gave him two days on Thursday 9th July 2020, to consult his lawyers.
The panel reportedly granted Magu the opportunity “when his responses to the allegations were incoherent”.
The committee chaired by Justice Ayo Salami (retd), decided to give Magu the opportunity of “legal counsel,” as the “allegations against him are weighty.”
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