Confusion and intrigues oscillate between ‘arrest’ and ‘invitation’ as Magu is compelled before panel

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Confusion and intrigues have trailed the supposed ‘arrest’ or ‘invitation’ of Acting Chairman of the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu on Monday by the Department of State Service (DSS).

First, reports surfaced in the media that Magu was picked up by DSS operatives for “questioning” over alleged corrupt practices.

However, both the EFCC and DSS subsequently denied any arrest.

In a statement by its Spokesman, Dele Oyewale, the anti-graft agency said Magu is only facing an investigative panel and is not being detained by the DSS.

“Mr Ibrahim Magu on Monday, July 6, 2020, honoured an invitation by a Presidential Panel reviewing the activities of the EFCC, at the Banquet Hall wing of the Presidential Villa, Abuja,” the EFCC said.

“He was served the invitation to the panel while on his way to the Force Headquarters, Abuja for a meeting. The EFCC’s boss was neither arrested nor forced to honour the invitation. A member of a legal team from the EFCC is also with him on the panel.”

However, a top official of the agency who did not want to be named said Magu was indeed arrested.

“DSS definitely took him to where a Panel investigating him is sitting,” our source said.

” He was invited to respond to some allegations against him, it isn’t clear as of now if he’ll be detained after appearing before the Panel which is currently sitting.”

Magu’s current ordeal may not be unconnected to a memo by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, to President Muhammadu Buhari last month alleging insubordination and corruption against him.

Among others, it revealed that the EFCC boss disclosed a total recovery of N504 billion but lodged N543 billion in the Recovery Account with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Magu was also accused of travelling to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, without the authorisation of the president during the lockdown.

And when he was queried, he said he went for an investigation.

He is also alleged to be living above his means.

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