Signs that the EFCC Czar, Ibrahim Magu may not be returning to his seat are gradually emerging, even as the probe which first began with him, is reportedly spreading to various departments of the anti-grant commission.
We have learnt through sources that Heads of various Departments within the commission have received orders to submit detailed reports concerning their activities from 2015 when Magu was appointed into office.
There are similarly indications that staff of the Asset Forfeiture and Procurement and Finance Department were directed to provide receipts, serial numbers of all recovered assets and tender records.
Already, President Muhammadu Buhari through the Minister of Justice and the Attorney General of the Federation has directed Mohammed Umar to take control of the reins of the EFCC in acting capacity, pending the outcome of the ongoing probe.
Umar until his appointment as the new helmsman was the Director of Operations of the EFCC.
Magu who is being investigated by the Justice Ayo Salami panel is facing several allegations which include alleged discrepancies in the reconciliation records pertaining to recovered funds.
He is also being accused of brazenly disobeying court orders and purportedly engaging in other activities inimical to his oath of office.
Magu had been whisked by the DSS earlier and taken to the Banquet Hall at the Presidential Villa where investigators were waiting.
Recall that the deposition of the DSS before the Senate led by Bukola Saraki frustrated the confirmation of Ibrahim Magu as the substantive Chairman of the EFCC.
From all indications, there are no limits, no ceilings to what the Salami panel which is investigating allegations against Magu and the EFCC would delve into.
President Muhammadu Buhari has reportedly given the panel freehands to probe and recommend whatever can lead to a complete overhaul of the commission.
In compliance with the Presidential order, top operatives of the EFCC have been invited to appear before the panel.
Whereas the DSS had earlier denied arresting Magu when his ordeal began, it is now known that the erstwhile Czar of the EFCC is being detained.
His lawyer, Tosin Ojaomo in a letter to the Inspector General of Police has asked for his client to be granted bail.
In it, he told the IGP, “Our decision to write this application to your office is premised on your declaration and avowed commitment at your inauguration as the Inspector General of Police to ensure that the constitutional rights of all Nigerians are protected under your leadership.”
The lawyer further noted, “This has been severally demonstrated by your recent directives to all police formations in Nigeria not to detain any suspect for any offence which is bailable in nature due to the COVID-19 pandemic ravaging the world, which Nigeria is not exempted from.”
” In view of the bailable nature of the allegations levelled against our client”, Ojaomo added, “we hereby apply that you grant him an administrative bail, pending the completion of investigation, so that he can adequately prepare himself for defence in accordance with the relevant provision of the constitution.”
Sources allege that seven computers which may have access to sensitive materials which are likely to aid the investigation have not been allegedly accounted for.
Meanwhile, the Presidency has maintained that there are no sacred cows as far as the fight against corruption is concerned, emphasizing that what is happening at this time is proof of the administration’s commitment to tackle the canker worm.