Finally, Magu Breaks Silence On Allegations Against Him

Suspended acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, has said the allegation against are targeted at smearing his reputation.

Magu made this known in an interview with The Nation hours after he regained his freedom having spent nine days in detention.

Magu said he was astounded when he read the allegations levelled against him.

He was arrested last week and whisked to the presidential villa in Abuja, where he appeared before a panel President Muhammadu Buhari set up to probe the activities of EFCC under him.

The panel is headed by Ayo Salami, retired president of the appeal court.

“They are nonsense. They are mere trump up allegations to tarnish my image and that of the EFCC. I did not steal or divert or convert funds to private use. I read the allegations and I was shocked,” Magu was quoted to have said.

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“What I have gone through is a case of dog eats dog but I see it as one of those risks of the job… we must not give up in any way.”

Magu expressed gratitude to Nigerians who stood by him during his ordeal, adding that nothing can deter him from his anti-corruption crusade.

He implored Nigerians not to give up on the fight against corruption, saying: “Corruption kills a nation faster than any other thing.”

“I thank Nigerians for their support, they should not be discouraged. I am happy to be back, I believe the war against corruption is winnable,” he said.

“Whether I am EFCC Chairman or not, the anti-corruption war must continue.”

Magu’s ordeal is sequel to a memo by Malami accusing him of sharp practices. He was alleged to have relooted the recovered loot and sold seized assets to his cronies.

A slew of allegations has emanted since his arrest and subsequent investigation.

Former director of operations at the EFCC, Mohammad Umar, has taken charge of the commission in acting capacity.