• Home
  • Anti-Corruption
  • Fact-Check
  • Economy
  • National
    • Government
  • Security
  • Features
  • State
  • Event
    • PR Nigeria Award
  • E-Paper
Search
  • Home
  • About
  • Adverts
  • Contact
Sign in
Welcome! Log into your account
Forgot your password? Get help
Password recovery
Recover your password
A password will be e-mailed to you.
PRNIGERIA PRNigeria News
PRNIGERIA PRNIGERIA
  • Home
  • Anti-Corruption
    • Chinese nationals jailed in Lagos

      Court Jails Nine Chinese Nationals for Cybercrime in Lagos

      ASUU

      Tackle Corruption, Institutional Decay – ASUU Charges FG

      EFCC Arraigns Bauchi Accountant General Over N8bn Fraud as Court Sentences…

      PRNigeria logo fearured image

      EFCC Arraigns Ex-Convict, Other for Naira Abuse in Lagos

      EFCC Arrests 37 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Ilorin

  • Fact-Check
  • Economy
    • U.S. VISA

      REVEALED: Why US Reduced Visa Validity for Nigerians to 3 Months…

      Comptroller General Nigerian Customs Bashir Adewale

      Nigeria Customs Takes Anti-Money Laundering Fight to the Skies

      Comptroller General Nigerian Customs Bashir Adewale

      Nigeria Customs, ICPC and the Audit of Conscience

      Customs Diplomacy: Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Ink Mutual Assistance Deal

      Comptroller General Nigerian Customs Bashir Adewale

      Nigeria, Belarus Forge Alliance to Combat Smuggling, Facilitate Trade

  • National
    • UAE Bans Transit Visas for Nigerians, After US Visa Restrictions

      Military Troops in Action

      Nigerian Troops Destroy Terrorists’ Enclaves across Theatres of Operation

      Military Troops in Action

      Army Intercepts Truckload of Vandalised Railway Tracks, Arrests 8 Suspects, Recovers…

      U.S. VISA

      REVEALED: Why US Reduced Visa Validity for Nigerians to 3 Months…

      NSA Hails New Joint Doctrine and Welfare Centre to Revolutionize Military…

    • Government
      • Gov. Mutfwang Hails NSCDC Boss Audi as 150 Agro-Rangers Graduate in…

        UAE Bans Transit Visas for Nigerians, After US Visa Restrictions

        L-R: Representative of the Managing Director of Bank of Industry, Ugochukwu Akagaogu; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh and the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Ambassador Nura Rimi during the tour of the Hydropolis Free Trade Zone in Amfani, Magama Local Government Area of Niger State on Tuesday

        FG Eyes 5,000-Tonne Boost in Fish Production Through PPP Model

        Igbo Criminals Behind Most Killings, Abductions in Southeast, Not Fulani —…

        Honourable Mukhtar Tolani Shagaya

        Shagaya at NASS: Fostering Youthful Vision through Humble Leadership By Umar…

  • Security
    • Gov. Mutfwang Hails NSCDC Boss Audi as 150 Agro-Rangers Graduate in…

      Illegal Mining: EFCC Arrests 5 Chinese, 4 Nigerians in Niger

      Military Troops in Action

      Nigerian Troops Destroy Terrorists’ Enclaves across Theatres of Operation

      Military Troops in Action

      Army Intercepts Truckload of Vandalised Railway Tracks, Arrests 8 Suspects, Recovers…

      CP Jimoh Moshood

      Lagos Police Roll Out Proactive Measures Ahead of Saturday’s Local Council…

  • Features
    • Honourable Mukhtar Tolani Shagaya

      Shagaya at NASS: Fostering Youthful Vision through Humble Leadership By Umar…

      Yushau Shuaib of PRNigeria, Barrister Nima Salman Mann and Rear Admiral A. A. Mustapha of NIPSS

      Yushau Shuaib vs. NIPSS: A Case of Alleged Digital Rights Violation…

      Nigerian Navy's newest landing ship tank launched in Sharjah, UAE.

      From Lake Chad to the Atlantic: The Nigerian Navy’s Rise as…

      What Life Really Looks Like for Nigerians Battling Sickle Cell, By…

      Shittu Yunus Shittu

      Can Nigeria Lead Africa’s AI Revolution? By Shittu Yunus Shittu

  • State
    • Gov. Mutfwang Hails NSCDC Boss Audi as 150 Agro-Rangers Graduate in…

      Illegal Mining: EFCC Arrests 5 Chinese, 4 Nigerians in Niger

      UAE Bans Transit Visas for Nigerians, After US Visa Restrictions

      Military Troops in Action

      Army Intercepts Truckload of Vandalised Railway Tracks, Arrests 8 Suspects, Recovers…

      CP Jimoh Moshood

      Lagos Police Roll Out Proactive Measures Ahead of Saturday’s Local Council…

  • Event
    • Asiwaju Adegboyega Solomon Awomolo

      47 Years of Excellence: Honoring Asiwaju Awomolo, SAN

      NCoS inmates

      58 Inmates in Kano Sit for 2025 NECO Exams, Thanks to…

      Troops of the Nigerian Army giving a salute

      162nd Anniversary: Tinubu Salutes Nigerian Army, Hails Troops as Guardians of…

      President & Chairman of Governing Council, Dr. Ike Neliaku

      NIPR Lauds Nigerian PR Firms for Outstanding Performances at 2025 SABRE…

      SCN NGO signs partnership with PRNIGERIA

      SCN NGO Seals Partnership with PRNigeria to Amplify its Humanitarian Projects

    • PR Nigeria Award
  • E-Paper
Home Anti-Corruption Magu’s EFCC: Between Suspects and Victims
  • Anti-Corruption
  • Security

Magu’s EFCC: Between Suspects and Victims

By
Yushau A. Shuaib
-
December 27, 2016
AVM Jon Ode Ibrahim Magu
L-R AVM Jon Ode Ibrahim Magu

AVM Jon Ode Ibrahim Magu
L-R AVM Jon Ode Ibrahim Magu

Magu’s EFCC: Between Suspects and Victims
By Yushau A. Shuaib

Sometimes in July, 2016 while attempting to pay the remunerations of over 20 staff and volunteers, it was discovered that the Company’s Salary Account, the Operational Account, the Domiciliary Account and even Personal Account of the Director had all been frozen!

Responding to the query from the company, the bank claimed that it blocked the accounts on an instruction from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC); and this was done without even notifying the management of the company. The action forced the firm to downsize its workforce of mostly young graduates by 70% and scale down its operations.

The above scenario was the first-hand experience of this writer who has not only served the EFCC but also other critical institutions in the country for over three years. Many individuals, groups and institutions who diligently transact their legitimate businesses have suffered similar fates and are now finding it extremely difficult to run their businesses or take care of their families.

In fairness, the anti-corruption agency capitalized on the controversial report of Presidential Arms Probe Panel which went outside its brief to pick hole on other services not related to arms and ammunition. Meanwhile, the probe panel merely succeeded in creating inter-agency rivalry by exposing some security sectors to public ridicule while soft-pedalling on others. The panel led by a retired airforce officer, AVM Jon Ode barefacedly turned its terms of reference into something else (See Link1 below). It was therefore not entirely surprising when it wilfully portrayed the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) as the most corrupt security sector by ensuring the arraignment of its three past service chiefs in courts while not much is known in other branches of military and security agencies, including the police.

One of the painfully emotional cases is that of a most respected senior airforce officer who was scandalised and taking to court, few months to the wedding of his daughter, over an allegation of receiving gifts from contractors. The officer, AVM Alkali Mamu, was one of the most intelligent, kind-hearted, honest and highly experienced Nigeria’s fighter-pilot who had also flown many heads of states. That indictment abruptly ended his over 30 years of meritorious service in the military when he was serving as Chief of Administration of NAF.

While most of EFCC’s investigations are conducted based on petitions it receives from organisations, groups and individuals, the agency has taken some actions that are seemingly unethical and politically motivated, especially against officers in the previous administration and top members of the opposition parties.

The recent Senate’s rejection of the nomination of acting Chairman of EFCC, Ibrahim Magu was based on security report from Department of State Service (DSS). Though allegations against him were on corrupt practices but there are feelers that inter-agency rivalry could also not be ruled out. The report did not accuse Magu of maintaining large bank accounts or acquisitions of gargantuan properties even as he has served the police and EFCC passionately for more than two decades.

Despite the underhand tactics of leaking confidential materials and orchestration of media trials of suspects by EFCC, Magu nevertheless has an intimidating profile as a fearless and courageous anti-corruption fighter who had investigated and prosecuted many high-profile cases since the inception of EFCC.

Read Also:

  • Gov. Mutfwang Hails NSCDC Boss Audi as 150 Agro-Rangers Graduate in Plateau
  • Illegal Mining: EFCC Arrests 5 Chinese, 4 Nigerians in Niger
  • UAE Bans Transit Visas for Nigerians, After US Visa Restrictions

While there are some obvious success stories on his efforts, careless indiscretions rather than financial corruption might have put Magu in the current mess. His fate is similar to those being investigated by the EFCC who are either suspects or victims and exposed to public ridicules.

In a whole year of acting as EFCC boss, Magu should have realised that he is at the mercy of the Presidency which nominates and the National Assembly that confirms appointments into certain offices. He has dignified and protected members of the Federal Executive Council but denigrated and descended heavily, without mercy, on members of the National Assembly. His penchant for engaging the legislators on unnecessary outbursts over flimsy and insubstantial issues are uncalled for, considering that they are also elected representatives of the people. For instance, in April 2016 when an EFCC Liaison officer at the National Assembly presented a plaque to Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekeremedu, the EFCC under Magu descended on the legislative arms with uncouth castigation (link2). Similarly, rather than being calm, he took an offence over a media report and boasted that he had never and would never lobby legislators for his confirmation (Link3). That rejoinder was a misplaced anger because lobbying is a legitimate communication process that is acceptable in diplomacy, law and public relations.

While this is not an attempt to exonerate or hold brief for Magu over corrupt practices as alleged by the DSS, security agencies should be careful so as not to play politics with investigative reports. They should avoid playing to the gallery like the report of the AVM Jon-Ode arm probe panel whose member was caught red-handed with over $1mn cash, exotic cars and illegal firearm in his residence (Link4). As a matter of fact, President Buhari needs to even probe all members of that controversial arms probe panel to ensure that their reports were not influenced by pecuniary purposes or vindictiveness. It should be noted that AVM Jon Ode had also served as a Defence Aide in the previous administration of Goodluck Jonathan.

Since Nigerians have shown their supports for President Muhammadu Buhari’s war on corruption and the extension of the campaign to security agencies, legislators and judiciary, his recent directive for the probe of members of the executive arm as well as the 5% rewards for the whistle-blower’s efforts on recovered loots are a welcome development (Link 5).

President Buhari should ensure that the brewing inter-agency conflict among critical institutions should be urgently addressed. For instance, if the EFCC should attempt to retaliate against the report of DSS, the result will not only be dirty but likely to compromise the national security. Our security agencies should never allow their operations to be teleguided or politicized. It is therefore necessary that while each agency maintains its independence and neutrality, the Office of National Security Adviser, Defence Headquarters and Ministry of Interior should rein in their supervisory functions in ensuring better synergies among the security organs.

Yushau A. Shuaib
www.YAShuaib.com
[email protected]
References:
Link 1: YAShuaib Resigns from FOSSRA… Says Jon Ode Panel Misleading President Buhari
Link2: Ekweremadu Not EFCC’s Anti-Corruption Ambassador- EFCC
Link3: I am not lobbying Anybody- Magu – EFCC
Link4: Jon-Ode Arms Panel Member in Scandal: Bugatti, Ferrari, Dollars Recovered
Link5: Expose Corruption, Receive 5% of loot- FG Urges Whistle-blower

VISIT OUR OTHER WEBSITES
PRNigeria.com EconomicConfidential.com PRNigeria.com/Hausa/
EmergencyDigest.com PoliticsDigest.ng TechDigest.ng
HealthDigest.ng SpokesPersonsdigest.com TeensDigest.ng
ArewaAgenda.com Hausa.ArewaAgenda.com YAShuaib.com
  • TAGS
  • Arms Probe Panel
  • dss
  • efcc
  • Ibrahim Magu
  • Inter-Agency Rivalry
  • Jon Ode
  • Lobbying
Previous articlePhotos: Finally, Troops Dismantle BH Flag in Sambisa, 3000 People Return to Damasak
Next articleVideo: How Nigerian Airforce, Ground Troops Storm Sambisa Forest
Yushau A. Shuaib
Yushau A. Shuaib
https://prnigeria.com/

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

Gov. Mutfwang Hails NSCDC Boss Audi as 150 Agro-Rangers Graduate in Plateau

Illegal Mining: EFCC Arrests 5 Chinese, 4 Nigerians in Niger

Military Troops in Action

Nigerian Troops Destroy Terrorists’ Enclaves across Theatres of Operation

Military Troops in Action

Army Intercepts Truckload of Vandalised Railway Tracks, Arrests 8 Suspects, Recovers Cash in Yobe

CP Jimoh Moshood

Lagos Police Roll Out Proactive Measures Ahead of Saturday’s Local Council Polls

NSA Hails New Joint Doctrine and Welfare Centre to Revolutionize Military Collaboration

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, and Minister of State for Regional Development, Alhaji Maigari Uba Ahmadu, at the Ministry’s headquarter

Military’ll Support Regional Growth for Lasting Peace, CDS Assures

NSA Nuhu Ribadu and NGE President Eze Anaba

Security Chiefs, Editors, ‘Off-the-Record’ and Other Confidential Rules

The Undeclared foreign currency

Customs Intercepts Undeclared N653m in Foreign Currency at Kano Airport, Arrests Suspects

NAF Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response (CHMR)

NAF Inaugurates Civilian Harm Mitigation Board to Boost Public Trust

Military Troops in Action

Banditry: Troops rescue 6 victims, recover rustled cattle in Kebbi

Police Nab Dreaded Cult Leader Linked to Murders, Abductions in Anambra

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Log in to leave a comment

Recent Posts

  • Gov. Mutfwang Hails NSCDC Boss Audi as 150 Agro-Rangers Graduate in Plateau
  • Illegal Mining: EFCC Arrests 5 Chinese, 4 Nigerians in Niger
  • UAE Bans Transit Visas for Nigerians, After US Visa Restrictions
  • Nigerian Troops Destroy Terrorists’ Enclaves across Theatres of Operation
  • Army Intercepts Truckload of Vandalised Railway Tracks, Arrests 8 Suspects, Recovers Cash in Yobe
  • Home
  • About
  • Adverts
  • Contact
© 2020 PRNigeria. All Rights Reserved.
Latest News
Gov. Mutfwang Hails NSCDC Boss Audi as 150 Agro-Rangers Graduate in PlateauIllegal Mining: EFCC Arrests 5 Chinese, 4 Nigerians in NigerUAE Bans Transit Visas for Nigerians, After US Visa RestrictionsNigerian Troops Destroy Terrorists' Enclaves across Theatres of OperationArmy Intercepts Truckload of Vandalised Railway Tracks, Arrests 8 Suspects, Recovers Cash in YobeLagos Police Roll Out Proactive Measures Ahead of Saturday's Local Council PollsFG Eyes 5,000-Tonne Boost in Fish Production Through PPP ModelREVEALED: Why US Reduced Visa Validity for Nigerians to 3 Months in Reciprocal Policy ShiftNSA Hails New Joint Doctrine and Welfare Centre to Revolutionize Military CollaborationMilitary'll Support Regional Growth for Lasting Peace, CDS AssuresIgbo Criminals Behind Most Killings, Abductions in Southeast, Not Fulani — Governor Soludo DeclaresShagaya at NASS: Fostering Youthful Vision through Humble Leadership By Umar Farouk BalaYushau Shuaib vs. NIPSS: A Case of Alleged Digital Rights Violation by Abdul Ikon Allah2027 Can Wait, Tinubu’s Eyes Still on the Reform Ball - MinisterFG Inaugurates Passport Front Office for Senior Public Officials
X whatsapp