In what some people say was overdue in coming, Ibrahim Magu, Acting Chairman of Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, was reportedly arrested on Monday by the Department of State Service (DSS) over allegations that he owns four properties and was also allegedly transferring funds abroad through an agent.
But the Spy Police in a swift reaction said in a statement through its Spokesman, Peter Afunanya, that it did not arrest Magu.
“DSS wishes to inform the public that it did not arrest Ibrahim MAGU, Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as has been reported by sections of the media. The Service, has since, today, 6th July, 2020, been inundated with enquiries over the alleged arrest,” Afunanya said.
Magu has had running battles with sections of the Nigerian society who are opposed to his leadership of the commission. At the country’s Senate, many of the members have often called for his removal, but their calls have not yielded any result. As a result, he been working in an acting capacity since he was appointed about four years ago.
Even within the country’s security network, he has not been spared the prying eyes of other agencies, including the DSS.
DSS in 2016 had reported that Magu, referred to some as Nigeria’s anti-corruption Czar, lived in a N40m mansion paid for by one Umar Mohammed, a retired air commodore who was allegedly involved in fraudulent deals.
DSS in the 2016 report also had allegedly said that: “In December 2010, the Police Service Commission (PSC) found Magu guilty of action prejudicial to state security – withholding of EFCC files, sabotage, unauthorised removal of EFCC files and acts unbecoming of a police officer, and awarded him severe reprimand as punishment.
“Magu is currently occupying a residence rented for N40m at N20m per annum. This accommodation was not paid [for] from the commission’s finances, but by one Umar Mohammed, air commodore retired, a questionable businessman who has subsequently been arrested by the secret service.
“For the furnishing of the residence, Magu enlisted the Federal Capital Development Authority to award a contract to Africa Energy, a company owned by the same Mohammed, to furnish the residence at the cost of N43m.
“Investigations show that the acting EFCC chairman regularly embarked on official and private trips through a private jet owned by Mohammed.
“In one of such trips, Magu flew to Maiduguri alongside Mohammed with a bank MD who was being investigated by the EFCC over complicity in funds allegedly stolen by the immediate past petroleum minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke.
“Furthermore, the EFCC boss has so far maintained a high-profile lifestyle. This is exemplified by his preference for first-class air travels. On 24 June, 2016, he flew Emirate airlines first-class to Saudi Arabia to perform lesser hajj at the cost of N2.9m. This is in spite of Mr President’s directive to all public servants to fly economy class.
“Magu has fostered a beneficial relationship with Mohammed who by his confession approaches clients for possible exploitation, favours and associated returns,” according to the report.
