Bawa: Magu never arrested me… our relationship is cordial

Abdulrasheed Bawa, chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), says he has a cordial relationship with Ibrahim Magu, former acting chairman of the agency.

Magu was suspended from office in July 2020 following allegations of corruption levelled against him.

Speaking on the floor of the senate during his screening on Wednesday, Bawa said Magu called to congratulate him when he was nominated to the position by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The nominee said he was never arrested by the former acting chairman, adding that he still keeps in touch with other predecessors of the anti-graft agency.

“I have a cordial relationship with former chairman, Ibrahim Magu. He never arrested me,” Bawa told the lawmakers.

“He even called me to congratulate me when I was nominated. So I have a cordial relationship with him.”

When asked how he will respond to pressure from influential individuals on any particular case, Bawa said: “On pressure, I will discharge my duties without fear or favour.”

Bawa said the anti-graft agency does not engage in media trials but has a responsibility to educate citizens on its activities.

“We have a responsibility to enlighten the public on our activities,” he said.

“Matters that are in court are already in the public domain. It is not in our control to determine which matter could be published or not.”