Magu failed to account for interest on N550bn recovered loot – Panel (See Detailed Allegations )

A prior presidential panel, which investigated the suspended acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Magu, indicted him, a report published by the News Agency of Nigeria has alleged.

The report, according to NAN, noted that the embattled EFCC boss had been unable to account for the interest generated from N550bn cash recovered from 2015 to 2020.

The panel is separate from the panel led by a former President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Salami, which is currently probing Magu and other top officials of the agency.

The chairman of the previous committee was Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim and the members were DIG Anthony Ogbizi; a member from Federal Ministry of Justice; Mualledi Dogondaji from the EFCC; Hassan Abdullahi from the DSS; an unnamed member from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation; Chinedu Ifediora from the NFIU, while Mr Kazeem Attitebi served as the secretary.

The committee’s report, it was learnt, became the basis for the setting up of the Salami-led panel.

The report titled, ‘Final Report of the Presidential Investigation Committee on the EFCC Federal Government Recovered Assets and Finances from May 2015 to May 2020’ was obtained by the Federal Government-owned News Agency of Nigeria.

The report read in part, “Failure to report on the interest on actual lodgements clearly establishes that the interest element of over N550bn has been re-looted relating to the period under review.

“This is an apparent case of manipulation of data in a very brazen and unprofessional manner and this has greatly eroded the public confidence in the anti-corruption efforts.”

The panel said it was quite disturbing that conflicting figures were being circulated in the public space by the EFCC as the amount of recovered funds.

It said these inconsistencies cast serious doubt on the accuracy of figures submitted by the EFCC.

The committee said it was of the view that the EFCC could not be said to have fully accounted for cash recoveries made by it, noting that there were discrepancies between what the embattled chairman reported and the lodgements the commission made.

It added, “It must be pointed out that the discrepancy of more than N31bn does not include interest accrued in this account since it was opened.

 

Magu failed to account for interest on N550bn recovered loot – Panel

“It therefore cast serious doubt on the credibility of the figures and means that substantial amount of money has not been accurately accounted for.”

NAN observed that the report had also confirmed the concerns of the public about contradictory recovery figures emanating from Magu.

The Presidential Committee on Audit of Recovered Assets revealed how the investigative reports on EFCC’s activities by the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit exposed acts of corruption and money laundering against some EFCC officials, including Magu.

The report added, “The NFIU reports established that the acting chairman has been using different sources to siphon money from the EFCC.

“The report has shown that a particular Bureau de Change, owned by Ahmed Shanono linked to the acting chairman based in Kaduna, has more than 158 accounts and has been receiving huge sums of funds.”

The committee accused Magu of paying a prominent Lagos-based senior advocate N28m.

…alleges he acquired N573m Dubai property through pastor

The panel accused the suspended EFCC boss of using one Pastor Omale to launder funds abroad.

Omale’s name was uncovered through an investigative report on EFCC’s activities by the NFIU.

According to the report, the unknown clergyman is alleged to have bought a property on behalf of Magu worth N573m in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

“As an unknown pastor, the NFIU’s report showed the huge movement of funds ranging from N573,228,040.41,” the report said.

NAN also gathered that efforts had been intensified to expose the real identity of the pastor with a view to arraigning him for prosecution, if found culpable.

Meanwhile, efforts to reach the said pastor to get his reaction were not successful. Several calls made to his mobile phone were not answered while the text message sent to him had yet to be replied as of 12:52am.

The committee accused the suspended EFCC boss of mishandling the probe of a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke.

The suspended EFCC boss was accused of failing to cooperate with authorities in the United Kingdom to facilitate effective prosecution of the case.

The report read in part, “In the Diezani Alison-Madueke case, the acting chairman is failing to further cooperate with the UK NCA (National Crime Agency) to enable them to charge the former minister to court in the UK.

“The acting chairman, despite his knowledge that Mrs Alison-Madueke will not be extradited to Nigeria until after her trial in the UK, has consistently been accusing the UK government on the pages of print and electronic media of not wanting to extradite her to Nigeria.”

Magu was also accused of deliberately refusing to provide documentary evidence that would make the office of the Attorney-General to commence the extradition process of Diezani Madueke.

“This has strained the EFCC’s relationship with Europe, our most strategic partner,’’ the report further observed.

NAN reported that Magu, who is being held at the Police headquarters, Abuja, is expected to reappear before the Salami probe panel on Monday to defend himself against several allegations.

No sacred cows in Buhari’s govt, EFCC bigger than Magu – Presidency

The Presidency on Saturday said those who held the belief that the ongoing investigation of the suspended the EFCC acting chairman was an indication of the regime’s failing anti-corruption fight had missed the point.

It said rather, the development was further proof that the fight was real and active.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, in a statement, titled ‘Presidency’s statement on the suspension of Mr Ibrahim Magu’, said this was the first time the Presidency would react officially since Magu’s travails started on Monday when he was arrested and brought before the Justice Ayo Salami-led presidential panel.

The statement added, “There is no better indication that the fight is real and active than the will to investigate allegations in an open and transparent manner against those who have been charged to be custodians of this very system.

“Under this President and government, this is our mantra and guiding principle. There are no sacred cows, and for those who think they have a halo over their heads, their days are also numbered.

“Mr Magu was not immune – and regardless of the obvious embarrassment that potential acts of wrongdoing by him, given the office he held, may appear for the government.

“No other administration in the history of Nigeria would have moved to bring into the light and public domain such an allegation.”

Shehu explained that a series of documented allegations were made against Magu, noting that a preliminary review of the allegations levelled against him and several other members of his staff revealed that there were grounds for a detailed investigation to be conducted, hence, an investigative panel was constituted in compliance with the extant laws governing the convening of such a body.

Justifying Magu’s suspension, Shehu added, “As is the proper procedure, when allegations are made against the chief executive of an institution, and in this case an institution that ought to be seen as beyond reproach, the chief executive has to step down from his post and allow for a transparent and unhindered investigation.”

He said Magu’s suspension would allow the EFCC to continue its work without the cloud of investigation hanging over its head, noting that the EFCC does not revolve around the personality of an individual and as such could not be seen through the prism of any individual.

He added, “Mr Magu is being availed the opportunity to defend himself and answer the allegations against him. This is how it should be, as is the fact that under the Laws of Nigeria every citizen is presumed and remains innocent until proven guilty.

“What is however important is that there must be accountability and transparency and our people must realise that they would be held to account. This is the building block in the fight against corruption, the establishment of the concept of accountability and the recognition of the rule of law.”

Counsel for Magu, Mr Tosin Ojaomo, on Saturday, expressed confidence that his client would be released from detention on Monday.

Ojaomo said that "he had met Magu at the detention facility at the Force Criminal Investigation Department in Garki Area 10, in Abuja, and had a client-lawyer interview with him for about an hour on Saturday.

Ojaomo said, “Magu is not on trial. He has been appearing before the panel which is just a fact-finding panel. Our only concern is that he is in detention. We strongly believe that he will be released on Monday unfailingly.

“Our application for bail is receiving attention. Those celebrating that Magu is gone should be ready to face more crisis as long as they continue to partake in corruption.”

Ojaomo said on Saturday that Magu, whom he reportedly met in high spirits, denied Malami’s allegations during their client-lawyer interview session at the FCID facility on Saturday.

The lawyer added, “He told me the allegations are frivolous, vexatious and are all concocted to blackmail him and subject him to public ridicule and opprobrium, nothingclash

Policemen attached to the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department on Tuesday searched the home of the suspended acting Chairman of EFCC

Policemen attached to the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department on Tuesday searched the home of the suspended acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Magu.

A top police officer said 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 said, “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.”

Meanwhile, it was learnt that 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 7pm.

“As the panel makes it findings and establishes certain allegations, the police will continue to open investigations. We were told that he had bought some properties, so one of the reasons we searched the Karu home was that we wanted to lay our hands on some of these documents. We have been able to make some findings,” he said.

Meanwhile, it was learnt that 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.”

Source: The Punch

Magu not arrested — EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission says its acting Chairman, Mr Ibrahim Magu, is only facing an investigative panel and is not being detained by the Department of State Services.

The EFCC said this in a statement by its Spokesman, Dele Oyewale, on Monday.

The statement read, “Mr Ibrahim Magu on Monday,  July 6,  2020, honoured an invitation by a Presidential Panel reviewing the activities of the EFCC, at the Banquet Hall wing of the Presidential Villa,  Abuja.

“He was served the invitation to the panel while on his way to the Force Headquarters, Abuja for a meeting.   The EFCC’s boss was neither arrested nor forced to honour the invitation.  A member of a legal team from the EFCC is also with him on the panel.”

Magu, who has been serving in an acting capacity for almost five years, was invited after the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), accused him of financial impropriety and corruption

Gunmen kidnap the wife of Appeal Court Justice in Cross River State

Wife of the Appeal Court Justice, Ekwele Agube has been kidnapped in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, this is confirmed on AIT.

Ekwele who is the wife of Justice Ignatius Agube was kidnapped in her shop along with Ekorinim Phase II in Calabar Municipality Area Council of Cross River State on Saturday, at about 8:30 pm local time.

Confirming the incident, Permanent Secretary in charge of Security in the Governor’s Office, Dr Alfred Mboto said the suspected kidnappers numbering about 4 shot at a female relation of the kidnapped Justice’s wife who is currently receiving treatment at the Nigeria Navy Reference Hospital Calabar.

Mboto said all the routes to the areas have been locked down by the security agencies including the riverine corridors, assuring that the suspects are being tracked.

Some residents who prefer anonymity said cases of kidnapping in Calabar and its environs are becoming unbearable in recent times.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Security (South), Ani Esin also confirmed that one locally made pistol was recovered at the scene where the kidnappers operated.

Both the Public Relations Officer of the State Police Command, Irene Ugbo and that of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Solomon Eremi said they could not comment on the matter as it has not been brought to their notice officially.

Ekwele Agube operates a shop at Ekorinim not too far from her house where some gunmen who drove in a commercial Audi car kidnapped her.

Bauchi gov suspends Emir of Misau and three others over killings

Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has suspended the Emir of Misau, Alhaji Ahmed Suleiman, following the crisis that occurred in Hardawa Ward in the Misau Local Government Area of the state, which led to the death of nine people.

Several other people sustained varying degrees of injuries in the crisis.

Also suspended alongside the Emir are the District Head of Chiromah, Ahmadun Ahmadu, and the Village Head of Zadawa or his representative.

It was reported that nine people were killed and several others injured on Monday, following the crisis that erupted between herders and Fulani farmers in Zadawa village in Misau LGA.

The governor had on Tuesday suspended the Caretaker Chairman of Misau LGA, Yaro Gwaram.

Suspended along with him were his deputy, Baidu Kafin-Misau, and his secretary, Usman Abdu.

While speaking during the inauguration of a 13-man investigative panel tasked to identify the cause of the clash at the Government House on Friday, the governor said the suspension of the Emir of Misau and others was to allow the panel to effectively carry out its assignment without any interference.

He added that the suspended traditional institutions were to subject themselves to the administrative inquiry committee, saying the Emir must be investigated in his palace by the committee to accord him respect.

Mohammed said, “Following the receipt of additional petitions that we have at our disposal from some communities, we have decided to suspend the relevant traditional institutions in the area so that they will not interfere with the work of the investigation committee.”

What We Are Doing To Rescue Over 30 Kidnapped Persons in the state – Nasarawa Govt

A file photo of Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule.

 

Nasarawa State Governor, Mr Abdullahi Sule says it is teaming with the security agencies to secure the release of over 30 people kidnapped in the state.

The Governor said the persons were recently kidnapped by armed men and taken to the bush around the Udege Development Area in Nasarawa Local Government Area of Nasarawa state.

The state governor, Abdullahi Sule, disclosed the effort of the government to rescue them while delivering his opening speech at an emergency Executive Council Meeting held on Friday at the Government House in Lafia, the state capital.

He also used the medium of the meeting to give an update on the rising security challenges, especially in the western senatorial zone of Nasarawa state.

Governor Abdullahi Sule criticized the recent incident in which occupants of three vehicles, numbering more than 30 were kidnapped by gunmen.

The Governor said, “We are working along with the Federal agencies, the police, Department of State Services (DSS), and the military to ensure that we are able to rescue the people who have been kidnapped  and taken to the bush in that area.”

“The government is on top of the situation and we are going to do the best we can to ensure that they are released,” Governor Abdullahi Sule vowed.

He added that the state government was taking measures to reduce the inherent risk in the area, especially around the major road leading to Benue State.

Kidnappers kill three victims after collecting N7.5m ransom

Operatives of the Intelligence Response Team have arrested members of a kidnap syndicate, who allegedly killed three of their victims after collecting N7.5m ransom from their family members.

The Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Frank Mba, disclosed this in Abuja on Monday while parading 26 suspects arrested for kidnapping, armed robbery, unlawful possession of firearms and other sundry offences.

According to Mba, the kidnap syndicate abducted one Dr Audu Benedict, his son and a friend of the family, who were on their way to Abuja.

While in captivity, the suspects were said to have contacted the families of their victims, who subsequently paid N7m to secure their release.

“Before the ransom was paid, the suspects forced Benedict to raise a cheque of N500,000, which was successfully cashed,” Mba stated.

He, however, regretted that the syndicate went ahead to kill their victims, notwithstanding the ransom.

He stated, “Among the suspects, we have a kidnap syndicate that specialises in terrorising people of the North-Central zone.

“A ransom of N7m was paid by the family of Dr Audu Benedict. While in captivity, the doctor also raised a cheque of N500,000, bringing the total to N7.5m.

“After collecting the ransom, the suspects went ahead to kill the doctor, his son and the family friend.”

He added that the gang also kidnapped one Veronica Aboyi, who is related to one of the suspects.

Two of the suspects, Gwar Henry and one Bello, admitted to the crime.

The police said six AK-47 rifles, three pump-action rifles and other weapons were recovered from the gang.

Meanwhile, the police said they rescued six children “stolen sometime last year.”

Man arrested for defiling employer’s twin daughters in Lagos

Man arrested for defiling employer’s twin daughters

The Lagos State Police Command has announced the arrest of one Chinedu Obi, 26, for allegedly defiling his employer’s twin daughters.

A statement on Sunday by the spokesman, Bala Elkana, said Obi allegedly defiled his employer’s twin daughters.

Elkana noted that on June 16 at about 2:55 pm a woman in her mid-thirties (name withheld) reported the case at Aguda Police Station.

The complainant said Obi, her salesman, raped her 12-year-old daughters (names withheld) when she left them with him in her house.

“The suspect was arrested and he confessed to the commission of the crime”, the Police said.

Elkana quoted Obi as disclosing that he started having sexual intercourse with the girls in 2019.

Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, has ordered the transferred of the case to Gender Unit, State Headquarters, Ikeja.

CP Odumosu advised parents not to trust anyone with their kids, especially female children.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Police to continually apprehend sexual offenders and make them face the full weight of the law

A Man Of 72 Years Old Was Arrested For Raping A Girl Of 13 Years Old Ten Times In Gombe.

Gombe State Police Command has arrested a man of 71 years old for allegedly raping a girl of 13 years old ten times.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Maikudi Shehu, made this known during a press conference in Gombe on Wednesday.

Mr Maikudi Shehu said the suspect, who resides in Idi quarters in Gombe State, is a maize seller at the Gombe main market, was arrested on the 18 of June 2020.

 An initial investigation had revealed that the 71 years old man lured the girl to grind corn and steal more corn at the grinding place, the Commissioner of Police said.

Mr Maikudi Shehu explains that “The suspect gave a talisman to the victim to bury in her house, which, he said, would protect her from being caught or seen while carrying out the act of stealing.

“The 13-year-old girl succeeded in stealing about 146 measures of corn,” he said.

The police commissioner said that the suspect, thereafter, had carnal knowledge of the girl, adding that the victim confessed to having been raped ten times.

In a similar vein, Shehu said that the police command had also arrested a member of a kidnapping gang, who invaded Yelwa village in Akko Local Government Area of the state to carry out their nefarious activities.

“During the exchange of fire with policemen, one of the kidnappers was gunned down and another person, who was also one of the kidnappers, was arrested while others fled with gunshot injuries,” he said.

Lagos State C P Order The Arrest Of DPO, Begin Investigation Into Death Of Sergeant

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ilemba Hausa Division, Ajamgbadi, Chief Superintendent Yahaya Adesina, has been arrested and detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba, over alleged murder of a sergeant in his division.

Until his death two weeks ago, the deceased sergeant, Onalaja Onajide, was attached to Ilemba Hausa Division as a station guard.

The DPO had attributed his death to an attack by two dismissed soldiers, Kehinde Elijah and Eze Joseph, who had since been arrested.

The sergeant’s bereaved family had however alleged that their son died in the hands of the DPO, claiming they were told on good authority that the DPO shot him in cold blood.

Following the furore his death generated, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Hakeem Odumosu, Thursday, ordered that the case be transferred to SCID, Panti, for thorough investigation.

He also ordered the arrest and detention of the DPO whilst investigation was ongoing, including the retrieval of his rifle for forensic examination.

The state Spokesperson, DSP Bala Elkana, said: “The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Hakeem Odumosu, has ordered the transfer of the case involving the shooting and killing of Sergeant Onalaja Onajide attached to Ilemba Hausa Division, to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Yaba for discreet investigation.

“This decision followed the reports received by the command alleging the Divisional Police Officer Ilemba Hausa, CSP Yahaya Mohammed Adeshina, of shooting the sergeant while dispersing crowds that gathered in front of the station.

“The DPO has been arrested and detained at the State CID for investigation. His rifle has been retrieved for forensic examination.

“The commander has ordered that autopsy be carried out on the deceased person. The CP expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the fallen colleague and assured them that the command will stand with them in this moment of grief and ensure that justice prevails.

In a similar development, the command also arrested one Inspector Okoro Charles for shooting and killing one Fatai Oladipupo, a cleric at the Ikotun area of the state.

Elkana said: “.The Inspector is being subjected to internal disciplinary procedures, known as Orderly Room Trial at the State Provost Department and if found guilty, he will be handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Yaba for prosecution in conventional court.

“Investigation is ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the shooting incident.

“The Commissioner of Police condoles with the family and friends of the deceased and calls for calm.

“He assures them that justice will prevail. Members of the public will be updated on the outcome of the investigation.”

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Kidnapped APC Chieftain That Was Kidnapped Found Dead On Monday

The leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) that was kidnapped in Edo State, Mr. Presley Ediagbonya was on Monday found dead in the bush after two days of his abduction by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers.

Mr. Presley Ediagbonya, a former Commissioner for Youths and Sports in Edo state was alleged to have been kidnapped from his farm at the weekend in Utesi, around Okada, Ovia North East local government of the State.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Chidi Nwabuzor said: “speculations on the death is still sketchy because I am yet to be briefed.

“When I am briefed, I will come up with a detailed statement to members of the public,” DSP Chidi Nwabuzor said.

Speaking on the development, the member representing Ovia Federal Constituency, Denis Idahosa, urged security operatives to increase their security presence in the Area in order to prevent a re-occurrence of such sad incident.

He described the late Ediagbonya as an outstanding party leader with broad knowledge in party administration and grassroots politice

I do not regret my action – Rearrested dismissed policeman (Femi John)

I do not regret my action – Rearrested dismissed policeman explains why he won’t desist from impersonation

A missed policeman, Femi John who was paraded alongside other suspects arrested by the Oyo state police command on Wednesday, May 13, has explained why he won’t stop the act of impersonation.

The 54-year-old Iseyin- born ex-police officer has been arrested before for the same offence.

Femi confessed to the crime but stated that it is the only way he knows he can feed his family.

He said;

It has been a while I’ve been into it, so I am not afraid to go to jail. Jail is not meant for goats, it is meant for human beings. After all, most of Nigeria’s top politicians also go to jail. I didn’t rob; I am only using my entitlement to feed myself and my family.

“I do not regret my action; I am a Force man, so how can I regret? I am not a robber and I have never been to high ways to rob. I only create ways to feed myself and my children.”

Fake police boots, fake police identification card ,and some other fake items were recovered from the rearrested dismissed policeman.

Herdsmen Allegedly Caught Slaughtering Cow On Farmlands To Incriminate Villagers In Delta State

There was pandemonium on Tuesday morning in Oviri-Olomu, a community in Ughelli South local government area of Delta State when some herdsmen were allegedly caught planting incriminating evidence in a farmland by slaughtering a cow on the land. 

The herdsmen already had a recent case with the residents over the destruction of their farmland which was about to be investigated by the police. 

According to reports on the Guardian newspaper; the herdsmen slaughtered the cow with the intent of making the police to believe the cow was killed by residents of the community.

However, some women in the community protested the activities of the herdsmen in the area, where they accused them of destroying their farmlands and raping their women in their farms. 

While speaking, Mrs Esther Monday, chairperson of Olomu Women and spokeswoman of Oviri-Olomu community, said the women had been complaining about the activities of the herders but nothing was done until it got to the present state. 

“The herders would run to security agencies and the state government to complain that they were being maltreated whereas they were the aggressors,” she said. 

Also, a senior police officer who pleaded anonymity, told The Guardian that trouble started when some Fulani herdsmen wrote petition alleging that their cows were been killed and their houses destroyed. 

Meanwhile, the women promised to carry on agitating and protesting until the government intervened and moved the herdsmen out of their kingdom.