SAN FRANCISCO, December 16, (THEWILL) – The Department of State Services (DSS), on Friday, gave reasons why the acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, should not be confirmed as the Chairman of the anti-graft body.
The DSS, in a memo signed by one Folashade Bello and addressed to the Clerk to the Senate, said Magu failed its integrity test and would become a liability to the anti-corruption crusade of the present administration if confirmed.
The memo claimed that Magu is currently living in a rented apartment of N40 million at N20 million per annum paid for by a questionable businessman.
It adds that Magu has continued to maintain a high profile lifestyle shown by his preference for first class air travels, in disobedience to a directive from President Muhammadu Buhari, and exhibits a double-face personality.
“This accommodation was not paid for from the commission’s finances but by one Umar Mohammed, a retired Air Commodore, a questionable businessman and ally of subject who has subsequently been arrested by this service,” the memo read.
“For the furnishing of the residence, Mohammed enlisted the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to award a contract to Africa Energy, a company owned by him to lavishly furnish the residence at the cost of N43 million.
“Investigations further revealed that Magu regularly embarks on official and private trips through a private carrier, Easyjet, allegedly owned by Mohammed.
“In one of such trips, Magu flew to Maiduguri alongside Mohammed and the Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, Nnamdi Okonkwo, who was being investigated by the Commission over complicity in funds allegedly stolen by the immediate past Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke.
“On June 24, 2016, he flew Emirate Airlines 1st class to Saudi Arabia to perform lesser hajj at the cost of N2.9million. This is in spite of Mr. President’s directive to all public servants to fly economy class.
“Investigation also revealed that Magu parades a twin personality. At one level, he is the Czar who has no friends, no favourites and is ready to fight corruption to a standstill. However, with a key friend in the person of Mohammed, he had betrayed the confidence reposed on him by the present administration.”
Story by Oputah David
