We'll arrest more influential Nigerians soon - EFCC chair

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Magu, has said more influential Nigerians would soon be arrested to face prosecution as the EFCC under him has reinvigorated the fight against corruption in Nigeria.

Mr. Magu, who made the disclosure on Wednesday in Abuja at a forum with online and broadcast media managers, said since his appointment as acting chairman of the EFCC, he had undertaken the re-ordering of the agency’s priorities for effective implementation of its mandate.

“The effect of this, which is obvious for all to see, is the investigation, arrest and prosecution of some of the most powerful forces in Nigeria, who have questions to answer on their stewardship whilst in office. 

“A former National Security Adviser, former ministers, former governors, serving and retired military men, a media mogul and several others, are among those we have called to answer critical questions concerning the management of our commonwealth. 

“As we speak, many more influential Nigerians are on the radar of the EFCC and, in the coming weeks, they would have their days in court and Nigerians will be kept fully abreast of the results of our investigations,” Mr. Magu said.

The EFCC boss said in carrying out the mandate of the commission, he has been guided by the “fear of God, national interest and the rule of law”.

Mr. Magu said apart from bringing corrupt public officers to justice, the EFCC under his leadership is determined, in line with the stance of the current administration under President Muhammadu Buhari to send “unmistakable message” to everyone, that no Nigerian shall be regarded as above the law or treated as sacred cow as far as the fight against corruption is concerned. 

The EFCC chairman, however, said the commission cannot succeed in carrying out its mandate without the support of the media.

He said the EFCC already has the support of all relevant bodies and organizations.

He said he held a meeting with the president on Wednesday, and that the message from Mr. Buhari was nothing but total support for the agency.

“By far more inspirational is the political will of Mr. President to fight corruption. This unbending will, which some now call body language has given the needed traction to the anti-graft campaign,” he said.

Mr. Magu said Mr. Buhari’s resolve to fight corruption in Nigeria was underlined by his comments during his maiden media chat last Wednesday where he swore not to spare anyone found to be corrupt. 

Mr. Magu quoted the president as saying,  “I don’t …tolerate corruption. When I was Head of State, I didn’t put anybody above the law. At this time, I assure you, I will not put anybody above the law… If anyone is caught, I will not only sack (him or her) but will ensure that the case is taken to court”. 

He added that the president’s resolve is complemented by that of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mahmud Mohammed, who, during the last All Nigerian Judges’ Conference, declared unwavering support for the war on corruption. 

He added that at that same judges conference, Mr. Buhari expressed the concern of the Nigerian people for the undue delays experienced in the trial of corruption suspects.  

The judiciary, he said, has responded with some practical steps in the form of the designation of selected courts to try EFCC cases and some practice directions.   

“We believe that when holistically and effectively put into practice, the measures would drastically cut the time corruption cases spend in court before Nigerians know whether the accused is guilty as charged or innocent of the crime.

“As a Commission, the EFCC is very determined to put into productive effect, the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, (ACJA), 2015.  This law, which has been rightly labeled a legal “revolution”, by none other than Professor Itse Sagay, chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Anti-corruption, could not have come at a better time than now, when Nigerians are yearning for justice. 

“On the part of the EFCC, I can assure you that the effect of our even more penetrating investigations and commitment to rid Nigeria of all forms of corruption and economic and financial crimes can –and will continue to be– seen from the cases we take to court for trial,” he said.

No political witch hunt

Mr. Magu also responded to comments from participants at the forum that a lot of Nigerians have a feeling that the ongoing war against corruption appears targeted at members of the opposition.

He said by his orientation, he has nothing to with politics and is therefore, not doing the bidding of a political party.

“Such accusations have come up a lot, but, we work with petitions before us, in fact, I am eager and waiting for something from the other side, but nothing has come so far,” he said.

Mr. Magu also said he had never been a fan of plea bargaining, adding however that he works within the laws of the land.

The managing editor of PREMIUM TIMES, Musikilu Mojeed, who spoke on behalf of the President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, Malachy Agbo, said the group is fully committed to the ongoing fight against corruption and pledged the support of members to the EFCC.

He also asked Mr. Magu to consider partnering with the group in training journalists.

We'll arrest more influential Nigerians soon - EFCC chair - Premium Times Nigeria
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Jonathan Ebele Azikiwe The Leader Of The Yam Eaters Must Make The Next Batch...

The judiciary, he said, has responded with some practical steps in the form of the designation of selected courts to try EFCC cases and some practice directions.  

Nice one!

Thank God I dey bush.

Where is lalasticlala sef?

“As a Commission, the EFCC is very determined to put into productive effect, the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, (ACJA), 2015.  This law, which has been rightly labeled a legal “revolution”, by none other than Professor Itse Sagay, chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Anti-corruption, could not have come at a better time than now, when Nigerians are yearning for justice. 

Koko!

Point of correction EFCC, it is More influential Nigerian PDP members.

Useless #turantoresident don't just arrest send to jail if you can. The tyrants is just enjoying media frenzy all the so called pdp members you are witch hunting will embarrass him on court

His better you just close all the courts in Nigeria as Fayose advised so you and apc zombies that are deceiving you will rule Nigeria alone. Nobody can be God over us

This ignoble foolhardy plan by the FG, is due to the President's belief that his enemies are behind the Fuel scarcity. But the major catalyst is the opposition's hand in ruining the hidden loan application by the government, from the IMF. Yesterday, the IMF chief put the final nail in the coffin on the loan application. Now the President has no choice but to review his outlandish budget. The loan was meant to finance the budget and settle some influential Nigerians in the APC. Due to this burst bubble, the President is now breathing fire and brimstone on those who he believes leaked his illicit motives to top media hotshots, who were able to blackmail the IMF into dropping the FG's application. I pity the President and his party, because they are in hot soup.

Where is lalasticlala sef

sneh! d main thieves have escaped

Is a CAN president somewhere around?

Amen to that!

Great comment

NgeneUkwenu:


Nice one!

That was an amazing point!

Click like if you think Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, PhD and Namadi Sambo, Arch should be on the next batch before the end of the first quarter of 2016.

hopilo:
Point of correction EFCC, it is More influential Nigerian PDP members.

Yes, those who ate yams...

Ok

Did I just read him right that no petition has been forwarded to him from the opposition?Not surprise this government is full of lies...

I have consistently said on this forum, that Fashola will rot in jail, while Amaechi will hang from a tree. The President will also spend the rest of his miserable life in the Hague. As for the traders of the Oshodi electronics market, they can be rest assured that their loss will be avenged. Ambode will pay dearly with his.....................

Plus10:
Did I just read him right that no petition has been forwarded to him from the opposition?Not surprise this government is full of lies...

You read my mind ..

Influential thieves like OBJ, IBB, TINUBU, ANAECHI, KWANKANSO, T.A ORJI, AUDU, SYLVA, AISHA BUHARI, DIEZANNI, OSHIOMOLO, FFK, BODE GEORGI, PEJ abi
Efcc corrupt charlatans. ..

Hmmmmmmm

The EFCC chairman, however, said the commission cannot succeed in carrying out its mandate without the support of the media...

and patriotic, law abiding citizens.

In the light of the need for support, I hereby volunteer as a labourer, ad infinitum, in the expected expansion and/or construction of detention centers, prisons, and wailing homes for these rabid kleptomaniac.

May God bless me in my endeavour!

Do not just arrest but prosecute according to law. I mean Nigerian laws not Daura law code.

And ensure you don't use incompetent prosecutors lest they do shoddy jobs and turn around to blame judges.

You mean those who influence people into corruption?That's what I wanna hear.To the wailing wailer!EFCC can't arrest my dad nor my mum cos they are not among those in power except the PDPings foes.So,Don't cry of witch-hunting when the names are out.

Gbam!!!

We know more opposition party (pdp) members will be targetted in tge cuming week as instructed by pmb...
Efcc has now turned to apc weapon to witch hunt pdp in this dispensation,but they ahould remember tht the masses are watching & 2019 is not too far

now I know why DOKPESI is shouting witch hunt a day after he sent his unacceptable gift to sai Buhari, no escape route for looters again in Nigeria. kikiki

Foolish wailers will shout witch hunt ode jati jati

U mean witch hunt?

So na so I for enter wahala? Them been wan gimme egunje last year o! I no know wetin make me no collect beh I thank my God. Make I de watch dem from ontop cassava 'tree'