The trial of alleged internet fraud kingpin, Omwuzuruike Ikenna Kingsley, who was nabbed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) continued on Monday, July 13, 2020.
At the resumed hearing of the matter, which is before Justice A. T Mohammed of the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the prosecution presented its first witness, Abbas Suleiman, an Assistant Detective Superintendent (ADS) of the EFCC, before the court.
While being led in evidence by prosecuting counsel, MT Iko; Suleiman told the court how the Commission, on receiving an intelligence on the alleged fraudulent activities of the defendant, commenced investigation which later led to his arrest in Umuahia, Abia State.
He stated that, the defendant was arrested with items such as a Samsung Galaxy Phone, iphone 11, black Dell laptop, 3 Nigerian international passports and an Accura car.
He also said the defendant was taken to the Port Harcourt office of the EFCC, where he volunteered his statement in writing under caution.
Furthermore, Suleiman disclosed that in the course of investigation, letters of investigation activities were written to the Egypt Embassy, Thailand Embassy, United States Embassy and some banks, such as United Bank for Africa, UBA, Polaris and Ecobank, who all cooperated.
The prosecuting counsel, Iko, thereby sought the permission of the court to tender the letters of investigation activities in evidence and were accepted and marked as Exhibit A1 to E respectively.
The defendant, Kingsley, is being prosecuted on eight -count charges bordering on conspiracy, impersonation, forgery, possession of proceeds and obtaining money by false pretence to the tune of Eight Million, Five Hundred and Two Thousand Dollars ($8,502,000.00).
He allegedly represented himself as one Jeff Sikora, President/CEO of Prime Trust Credit Union Bank in the United States of America, USA and used the false identity to defraud his victims, including an Egyptian who was defrauded of the sum of $6,500,000.00 on the pretext that he was a beneficiary of Inheritance Funds in a fixed deposit account of Prime Trust Financial Bank.
The defendant also received the sum of Two Thousand United States Dollars ($2,000) which was transferred to him by his syndicate member, one Obi Taxas, who is now at large, as part of his cut from the heist.
Meanwhile, Justice Mohammed adjourned the matter to 16th and 17th July, 2020 for continuation of trial.
One of the counts against the defendant read: “that you Onwuzuruike Ikenna Kingsley (aka Jeff Sikora) on or about the 28th day of December, 2019, at Umuahia, Abia State within the jurisdiction of this honourable court with intent to defraud did obtain the sum of $6,500,000.00 (Six million, Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars) through web transfer from one Mr. Selah Elnagar Ali Ahmed, a citizen of the Arabic Republic of Egypt with the pretence that he is a beneficiary of Inheritance Funds in a fixed deposit account of Prime Trust Financial Bank, USA, a pretext you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (1) (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same Act”.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Lagos Zonal Office has presented the first prosecution witness, Nuru Buhari, in the trial of the duo of Kayode Phillips and Hamza Koudeih, both of whom are alleged accomplices of Ismaila Mustapha, popularly known as Mompha before Justice Muslim S. Hassan of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos.
This was disclosed by the agency via Twitter late Monday.
The defendants, who are high-valued targets in Organized Cyber Syndicate Network, OCSN, were arraigned on November 28, 2019 on 25-count charges, bordering on conspiracy and money laundering.
The charges against the defendants, who pleaded not guilty, thus setting off their trial, read: “That you, Kayode Phillips (a.k.a Voice of the King) and Hamza Koudeih (a.k.a. HK), sometime in May, 2019 within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, conspired among yourselves to commit an offence to wit conversion of the aggregate sum of $7, 069, 000 (Seven Million, Sixty-nine Thousand United States Dollars), £1, 000, 000 (One Million Pounds) and €80,000 (Eighty Thousand Euro), which sums you reasonably ought to have known form part of the proceeds of fraud and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Sections 18 (a), 15 (2)(d) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2015 and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.”
At the last sitting, Buhari, who is a forensic expert with the EFCC, while being led in evidence by prosecution counsel, A.O. Mohammed, gave a detailed account of the findings he made on the computer hard disk and two mobile phones, recovered from Philips, the first defendant.
These, he said, included the lead document and transfer instructions to some people.
“My lord, I also found in the phones, chats between the first defendant and some other people, where he was discussing how to market each lead document to them,” the witness stated.
They were tendered and admitted in evidence by the court after a failed opposition to their admissibility by Olutade Falana, counsel to the first defendant.
Justice Hassan however adjourned the matter till July 20 and 21, 2020 for ruling and continuation of trial.
L-R: Governor of Bayelsa State, Duoye Diri; plaintiff,Timi Alaibe
The Supreme Court of Nigeria has struck out Timi Alaibe’s appeal challenging the candidacy of Duoye Diri as the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the November 2019 election in Bayelsa State.
Having lost a previous suit at the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal, Alaibe lay claim to the authentic candidacy of the PDP.
Special Adviser to the Governor of Ogun on Primary and Secondary Education, Ronke Soyombo
Ogun State Government has charged the engineers saddled with the responsibility of monitoring ongoing projects of schools in the State to ensure that the contractors deliver a long lasting and quality work.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Primary and Secondary Education, Mrs. Ronke Soyombo made this charge Monday during a meeting with the engineers under the State Universal Basic Education Board(SUBEB), on the specifications of their duties as regards government projects, held at Governor’s Office Press Centre, Oke-mosan, Abeokuta.
Mrs. Soyombo while reiterating the scope of their assignments which includes; assessment and monitoring of government projects, use of quality materials that will stand the test of time, she reiterated that engineers must have a good grip of the situation of things with the projects in their areas and to also carry along the principals and head teachers of all those schools.
“The safety of the students must be put into consideration while building, we must work together to achieve great success and we need you to avail us of all the schools in your care, which ones have we finished and which do we still need to work on, all these data must be made available for transparency”, she advised.
The Special Adviser appreciated the engineers and all other stakeholders for their efforts since the inception of the projects, she said that the results achieved so far is due to their efficiency and effectiveness, while also advising them to not relent in giving their best to the projects.
Mrs. Soyombo advised community leaders to join hands with the contractors and engineers for support and easy access to the schools in their communities, they should see it as a way of supporting the government’s Building our Future Together agenda.
In his earlier remarks, SUBEB Board Secretary, Mr. Olalekan Kuye, said the purpose of the meeting is to ensure excellent services were carried out and delivered and to also reiterate and intimate engineers of what their roles should be in the course of their supervision.
In their submission, some of the engineers, Mr. Obadiluwa Gabriel and Engineer Adeboyejo appreciated the present administration for the opportunity given to them to serve, promising that they would increase their efforts to deliver a better job while they also called on the government to look into some of the challenges they are facing.
The Supreme Court of Nigeria has struck out suits by Lagos and Ekiti states, challenging the legality of virtual court sittings.
The Attorney-General of Ekiti State, Mr Olawale Fapohunda had in the suit asked the court to determine the constitutionality of a directive issued by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubaka Malami, to the Heads of Courts at Federal and State levels, as it relates to the conduct of virtual proceedings in court, and whether such is not a violation of federalism as provided in the 1999 Constitution.
Also, Fapohunda wanted the apex court to determine if the directive issued in line with the National Judicial Council is not a violation of the constitutional provisions on fair hearing as it relates to the conduct of criminal trials in public.
Furthermore, Fapohunda asked the court to set aside or strike down directives to the extent that they purport to be binding on the Ekiti State High Court for being inconsistent with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Ooni Adimula of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi
The Ooni Adimula of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi has charged young Nigerians to be steadfast in culture and heritage.
This charge was made over the weekend when the Monarch hosted in his palace, the Royal Court of the Kingdom of Ife (Ile-Oodua), some youths, a social media entertainer and actor, Debo Adebayo, widely known by the stage name Mr Macaroni and Big Brother Naija star, Seyi Awolowo.
According Oba Ogunwusi, young people must never forget their culture and heritage: “It is the greatest asset and wealth that we all must embrace”.
The Monarch, who reiterated his passion and commitment to mentoring young Nigerians said: “Over the past four years of my ascension to the Throne of my forbearers, one of my core Royal mission has been to reconstruct the worldview of our young populations as I instill in them new cultural attributes through beliefs, values, practices, norms, tradition, heritage and understanding extraordinary corpus moments in African history.
“It was an audacious moment, imprinting ambitious ideas for greatness in their minds as well as stemming up their spirit to share in my vision of rewriting our stories, celebrating our ancestor’s achievements and recording their challenges of the past for the generations ahead”, Oba Ogunwusi said.
In a statement posted on Instagram, Mr Macaroni expressed excitement and appreciation of the warm reception by the His Imperil Majesty.
“Honor of my life to have spent an incredibly exciting and overwhelming day with the Alayeluwa, Arole Oduduwa, Olofin Adimula!! His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi (Ojaja II) The Ooni of Ife!!
“He showed me so much love, I was speechless!! Totally unbelievable!!
Thank you for this moment sir and for showing how ready you are to invest in the Youths! This for me is priceless!!! May your reign be long and prosperous!!! Kabiesi oooooooooooo”, Mr Macaroni stated.
Also sharing via Instagram, his experience with Oba Ogunwusi and appreciating the Monarch’s gift, Seyi Awolowo said: “The king freakied (credited) our accounts while he cracked the entire palace up.
“Not seen a king like this before… may you live long and prosper”, He stated.
Mama Zindzi Mandela, youngest daughter of late South African Icon and ex-President, Nelson Mandela.
Mama Zindzi Mandela, South Africa’s Ambassador to Denmark and youngest daughter of struggle icons, Nelson Mandela and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, has died at the age of 59.
She died on Sunday night at a hospital in Johannesburg, but the cause of her death has not been ascertained as at press time.
She’s survived by her four children: Zoleka, Zondwa, Bambatha and Zwelabo and her husband Molapo.
Confirming the unfortunate incident, the Mandela Family, in a statement, said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Mama Zindzi Mandela, youngest daughter of the late ANC (African National Congress) stalwarts Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.
“She is survived by her children and grandchildren. Memorial service and funeral arrangements to be announced in the course of the week.”
Also, Nelson Mandela Foundation was heartbroken by the news of the passing of Mama Zindzi.
The foundation said: “We have been shocked to wake to the news of the untimely passing of Zindziswa Mandela. On a day when we are marking the anniversary of another terrible moment – when Madiba’s son Thembekile died in a car accident in 1969. Zindzi was someone we had come to know well and to love. She was our friend.
“Our thoughts are with her family and friends.
“Zindzi will be remembered for a rich and extraordinary life, marked by many iconic moments. The years she spent banished with Mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela to the small town of Brandfort. That summer’s day in February 1985 at Jabulani Stadium when she read to the world Madiba’s rejection of President Botha’s offer of a conditional release from prison.
“We will also remember her as a special soul. She worked with the Foundation on many projects over the years, for instance the book Hunger for Freedom, by author Anna Trapido. We valued her generosity, her warmth and her sense of humour. She was always patient in responding to our requests for information and other forms of assistance. And we admired her strength in dealing with life’s challenges and tragedies.
“Madiba’s personal archive speaks to this strength, as well as to the nature of her relationship with her father. Just two examples as illustration. In a 1969 letter from prison, Madiba noted that her ‘heart is sore because I am not at home and wants to know when I will come back.
“In a 1987 letter to Zindzi, Madiba told her that he had heard from an acquaintance that she was as strong as a rock. He went on: ‘That is just the kind of remark a father would like to hear about his beloved child. I literally swelled with pride and satisfaction. That remark reached me at the right time, shortly after you had just gone through a rather harrowing experience.
“He ended the letter: ‘Tons and tons of love darling, and a million kisses.
“We join with many in saying hamba kakuhle to an outstanding South African. We will miss you Zindziswa; you who were named after the daughter of that great South African poet S.E.K. Mqhayi. We will miss you Ambassador Mandela. Lala ngoxolo Madiba, Zondwa, Ngqolomsila, Sophitsho, Yem-yem,” Nelson Mandela Foundation said, in a statement by Luzuko Koti.
President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa also offered his condolences.
“I offer my deep condolences to the Mandela family as we mourn the passing of a fearless political activist who was a leader in her own right. Our sadness is compounded by this loss being visited upon us just days before the world marks the birthday of the great Nelson Mandela.
“Zindzi Mandela was a household name nationally and internationally, who during our years of struggle brought home the inhumanity of the apartheid system and the unshakeable resolve of our fight for freedom.
“After our liberation she became an icon of the task we began of transforming our society and stepping into spaces and opportunities that had been denied to generations of South Africans,” Ramaphosa said.
The Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in his tribute, said: “Saddened to hear the news about Zindzi Mandela passing. I am sending my deepest condolences to the Mandela family and the people of South Africa. Zindzi was an inspirational leader and we all will miss her greatly.”
The President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government Sunday handed over the National Arts Theatre complex in Lagos State to the private sector for a complete revamp and modernisation.
This was coming as Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the proposed transformation of the theatre complex give Nigeria an opportunity to harness her creative industry, describing the revitalisation of the cultural edifice as a goldmine for revenue generation.
The National Arts Theatre complex, sitting on an expansive space and an adjoining 134-hectare fallow land in Iganmu area of Lagos, has been abandoned over the years due to mismanagement and non-maintenance.
Moved by the need to restore the glory of the epicentre of cultural activities in Lagos and turn around its capacity to develop the creative industry, Buhari recently approved the regeneration of the theatre complex through a public private partnership.
The presidential approval culminated into the official hand over ceremony of the edifice at the theatre complex’s Banquet Hall to private investors led by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Bankers’ Committee (a team of private investors) under the chairmanship of the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
The N25 billion project, tagged the Lagos Creative and Entertainment Centre, which is expected to be completed in 18 months, would be executed in two phases.
Phase 1 involves the restoration and upgrade of the National Theatre to its glorious days at a cost of N7 billion, while Phase II would involve the development of the adjoining fallow land at a cost of N18 billion.
Highlights of the first phase include the upgrade of the theatres (the main halls and cinema halls, conference and banquet halls, press hall and the bar); installation of new seats, upgrade of the sanitary facilities, installation of lifts, acoustics and specialist lightings, as well as replacement of the air
conditioning, lighting and plumbing.
Phase II would involve the development of purpose-built clusters to provide world class facilities for Nigeria’s Creative Industry, with the clusters having four hubs: Fashion, Music, Film and Information and Technology (IT) hubs.
The creative clusters would be supported by other facilities, including multi-storey parking to accommodate 1,000 cars, a Visitors’ Welcome Centre which would house commercial and retail facilities, as well as administration and management offices.
Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, who officially transferred the monument to the team of private investors for regeneration, said the project is expected to be delivered in the next 18 months.
The minister said the planned restoration and upgrade of the iconic National Theatre would generate about 10,000 jobs during and after the restoration.
He said: “Please permit me to start off by making a clarification: this iconic National Theatre remains a national heritage and will not be ceded to any person or group, as some have chosen to frame what we are doing here today. What we are here to do is to hand over the National Theatre for restoration and upgrade and the fallow land within the premises to the Central Bank and the Bankers’ Committee for development.
“The Federal Ministry of Information and Culture holds the keys to the National Theatre on behalf of all Nigerians.
“The good news is that this project will not lead to a single job loss. Instead, it will create more. Some 6,000 jobs will be created during the construction phase, while the completed project could generate up to an additional 600 permanent and 2,000 to 3,000 call-on/call-off jobs. This is as good as it gets!”
The minister described the handover of the facility as a “historic day in the annals of the Creative Industry in Nigeria,” describing the project as a win-win for all those involved.
“For over 40 years, no major renovation work has been done on the National Theatre, while the adjoining land has been lying fallow. Many attempts to restore the National Theatre
have failed. And the government has no money to restore the complex.
“As you know, this is the hub of the Creative Industry in Nigeria. The National Theatre was established to encourage the advancement of the performing arts throughout the country; to create opportunities for performing artists of the country as well as to aid the promotion of social development and the improvement of the quality of life. In its present state, it is not living to its billing,” the minister added.
Recalling the glory days of the National Theatre, Mohammed said the edifice once hosted all Nigerian state government functions and musical extravaganzas such as the late Fela Anikulapo Kuti and Roy Ayers, Skyy, Shalamar, Whispers, Third world and Dynasty; stage events like Wole Soyinka’s adaptation of D. O. Fagunwa’s Langbodo and even Stevie Wonder, who received one of his numerous Grammy Awards at the National Theatre.
In his remarks, Sanwo-Olu described Lagos State as the centre for innovation, noting that the Centre of Excellence would benefit hugely from the monument’s revitalisation.
Sanwo-Olu said harnessing the potential of creative industry remained vital to diversifying the national economy and transforming Lagos economy to be 21st Century compliant, adding that a modernised National Arts Theatre would empower innovative youth across the country to develop creative skills in fashion, performing arts, music and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
“As the governor of the state where this national monument is sited, it gives me a great sense of joy to see the National Arts Theatre being revitalised. When the conversation around setting up the biggest black heritage started in the 1970s, Lagos was the centre of the discussion.
“It feels good to see that the conversation around revitalising the monument turning it around for the generations to come is taking place in Lagos. Everyone of us growing up about 30 to 35 years ago knew what the National Theatre stood for. Given that we have had good times in this monument, it would be shame on all of us if we didn’t do what we are doing today and leave this national heritage to die,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu observed that before the move by the Federal Government to revamp the theatre, Lagos State Government had deployed resources to modernise the areas around the monument, pointing out that the state government built a Light Rail station in the theatre.
The governor said synergy between the state and federal governmenta in equipping the monument with Light Rail station is an asset that would help in mass transportation in and out of the edifice when the revamping is completed.
Sanwo-Olu said: “There’s no way we can transform Lagos economy and make it 21st Century compliant if this national centrepiece is not re-engineered to develop our creative industry. Therefore, this revitalisation exercise speaks to our vision in the pillars of our development agenda.”
The governor assured the investors and the Federal Government that Lagos would be part of every process required to turn around the heritage.
Emefiele, on his part, said the partnership would transform the monument to a world-class arts and entertainment centre.
He said the handing over of the theatre to private investors was timely, given the challenges facing the economy that earns revenue from single source.
The CBN boss added that the nation had the potential to generate annual revenue of $20 billion from creative industry, noting that such could help cushion the effect of instability on the national economy.
Emefiele thanked Lagos State Government for creating an infrastructure around the monument, pointing out that the rail station would open the theatre up for seamless traffic.
“Upon completion in another 18 months, this entire area would have transformed into a creative centre which will only be comparable to world-class entertainment and convention centres in this part of the world.
“Our goal to revamp this National Arts Theatre is to create an environment where startups and existing businesses can be rewarded for their creativity. When the renovation is completed, this monument will support skill acquisition and creation of jobs for over one million Nigerians over the next five years,” he said.
Also speaking, the Minister for Sports and Youth Development, Sunday Dare, said the partnership was another giant step by the Buhari administration to strengthen the youth and invest in their creativity.
“I commend the Bankers’ Committee for this new vision to engender a rebirth of millennial economy. A modernised National Arts Theatre will help our young people to hone their skills and divest their energy to create values for themselves and the country,” Dare said.
The revamping of the monument would be handled by SANEF Creatives Limited. When completely revamped, cinemas of the modernised National Arts Theatre would now have digital screens and modern lighting system.
Its three exhibition centres and banquet halls would be completely regenerated. It would have a multi-storey car park, ICT incubation centre, cultural and entertainment hubs, including apparel factory, film village, and music hub for young musicians to have an opportunity to record.
The ceremony was witnessed by Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat; the Chairman of the Committee of Banks’ CEOs, Herbert Wigwe; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Culture, Grace Isu Gekpe; among others.
Suspended Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, has been accused of re-looting funds recovered by the commission as well as bribery.
Magu, who is currently being interrogated by a Presidential Investigation Committee on the EFCC-Federal Government Recovered Assets and Finances from May 2015 to May 2020, headed by retired Justice Ayo Salami, has been accused of mismanagement and lack of transparency in managing recovered assets by EFCC.
A final report of the presidential probe panel obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) had seriously indicted and implicated Magu on various allegations levelled against him.
The new facts have emerged on how interest rates accruing from N550 billion recovered by EFCC in the period under review were allegedly re-looted.
Magu is now expected to disclose the whereabouts of the missing interest funds running into millions of naira.
NAN also observed that the Final Report of Presidential Committee on Audit of Recovered Assets (PCARA) that covered the period of May 29, 2015, to November 22, 2018, had also confirmed the concerns of the public about contradictory recovery figures emanating from Magu.
“It is quite disturbing that conflicting figures are being circulated in the public space by EFCC as the amount of recovered funds.
“For foreign currency recoveries, EFCC reported a total naira equivalent of N46,038,882,509.87, while the Naira equivalent of the foreign currency lodgments was N37,533,764,195.66, representing a shortfall of N8,505,118,314.21.
“These inconsistencies cast serious doubt on the accuracy of figures submitted by EFCC. It is the committee’s view that EFCC cannot be said to have fully accounted for cash recoveries made by it.
“While EFCC reported total Naira recoveries of N504,154,184,744.04, the actual bank lodgements were N543,511,792,863.47. These discrepancies mean that EFCC’s actual lodgment exceeded its reported recoveries by N39,357,608,119.43.
“It must be pointed out that the discrepancy of more than thirty-nine billion naira does not include interest accrued in this account since it was opened.
“It, therefore, casts serious doubt on the credibility of the figures and means that a substantial amount of money has not been accurately accounted for.
“Failure to report on the interest on actual lodgements clearly establishes that the interest element of over N550 billion 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 report stated in part.
NAN also reports that PCARA revealed how the investigative reports on EFCC’s activities by the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) exposed acts of corruption and money laundering against some EFCC officials, including Magu.
“The NFIU reports established that the Acting Chairman has been using different sources to siphon money from EFCC, and in some cases collecting bribes from suspects.
“The report has shown that a particular Bureau de Change, owned by Ahmed Ibrahim Shanono linked to the Acting Chairman based in Kaduna has more than 158 accounts and has been receiving huge sums of funds.
“The link to Magu was also established by the payment of N28 million to Falana who is a close associate and ally of the Acting Chairman,’’ PCARA report further revealed.
NAN reports that the Salami probe panel is expected to continue sitting on Monday, while Magu’s lawyer, Oluwatosin Ojaomo, had on Friday applied for an administrative bail for his client, who is facing corruption and other charges before the panel.
File photo: President Buhari at the Council Chamber, State House, Abuja.
President Muhammadu Buhari Saturday broke silence on the travails of the suspended Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu.
The President explained that the guiding principle of his administration is that there are no sacred cows, adding that when allegations are made against the chief executive officer of an institution, the chief executive officer has to step down from his post and allow for a transparent and unhindered investigation.
Buhari noted that a series of documented allegations were made against EFCC under the leadership of Magu, which led to the constitution of an investigative panel in compliance with the extant laws governing the convening of such a body.
“A series of documented allegations were made against the Ag. Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Following a preliminary review of the allegations leveled against the Ag. Chairman and several other members of his staff, 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.
“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.
“EFCC does not revolve around the personality of an individual, and as such cannot be seen through the prism of any individual.
“Therefore, the suspension of Mr. Ibrahim Magu, allows the institution to continue carrying out its mandate without the cloud of investigation hanging over its head.
“EFCC has many good, hardworking men and women who are committed to its ideal and ensuring that the wealth of our country isn’t plundered and wherein there is an act of misappropriation such person(s) are brought to justice,” Buhari said, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu.
The statement added that the embattled EFCC acting chairman was being given opportunity to defend himself in accordance to the rule of law.
“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.
“We must realise that the fight against corruption is not a static event, but a dynamic and ever evolving process, in which the EFCC is just one actor; and as we continue to work towards improving our democratic process so shall every institution of ours also embark on that journey of evolution.
“What is however important is that there must be accountability and transparency and our people must realize 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.
“Those who see Mr. Magu’s investigation, as a signal that the fight against corruption is failing, have unfortunately, missed the boat.
“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,” the statement pointed out.
Meanwhile, the President has urged African leaders to ensure the immediate actualisation of the Common African Position on Assets Recovery (CAPAR), as the continent celebrated Anti-Corruption Day on July 11.
Buhari, in a letter to President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, Chairman of African Union, asked for a re-commitment to the anti-corruption war by leaders on the continent to engender an “integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens, representing a dynamic force in the international arena.”
The Nigerian President, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, lamented that “the massive corruption being perpetrated across our national governments has created a huge governance deficit that has in turn created negative consequences that have worsened the socioeconomic and political situation in Africa.”
The letter by Buhari reads in part: “As Your Excellency is aware, the continental fight against corruption has been premised on an irreducible minimum that can pave the way for Africa’s transformation.
“In this effort, the emphasis has been on the continent’s collective determination to forge resilient partnerships among our national governments, civil society organisations and other interest groups, such as women, youth and the physically challenged, to ensure improved socio-economic, political and security development and ultimately, the improvement of our continent.
“The concern of the African Union is that the massive corruption being perpetuated across our national governments, has created a huge governance deficit that has in turn created negative consequences that have worsened the socio-economic and political situation in Africa.
“Your Excellency may recall that these continental concerns led our colleagues at the African Union, to appoint my humble self as the African Union Anti-Corruption Champion. I believe that the efforts and focus of the Nigerian Government at home, partly informed this decision as well as the need for Africa, as a continent, to recommit herself to the fight against corruption and the imperative to free resources for meaningful development.
“I am, therefore, in full support of the call for the issuance of a continental message to commemorate this day, on July 11, 2020, to re-commit the African Union to the continental fight against corruption, including through a robust approach to assets recovery, hence the need for a strategic framework on a Common African Position on Assets Recovery (CAPAR).
“Happily, in February 2020, at the 33rd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union in Addis Ababa, CAPAR was adopted. In my view, the African Union must go beyond the mere annual celebration of the Africa Anti-Corruption Day by moving swiftly to operationalize the African Common Position on Assets Recovery by all member states. This is an excellent way to drive Africa’s Agenda 2063, for an ‘integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens, representing a dynamic force in the international arena.’
“As current Chair of our Union, I sincerely commend to you, this suggestion that seeks to call our leaders in Africa to recommit ourselves to this very important task of reclaiming our continent from the vice of systemic corruption.
“Please accept, Your Excellency and Dear Brother, the assurances of my highest consideration.”
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