Magu appears before reps panel

Ibrahim Magu, acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is currently appearing before the house of representatives committee on emergency and disaster preparedness.

The committee is investigating the alleged breach of public trust at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

They are also investigating the alleged illegal suspension of six officials of the agency by its governing board. The officials are being investigated by the EFCC for alleged abuse of office.

At its last sitting, the committee summoned Magu to brief it on the outcome of the investigation on the officials.

The panel had also summoned Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo — chairman of the governing council — to explain why the officials were suspended.

Also summoned over the matter was Oyo-Ita, head of civil service.

The suspended officers are Akinbola Gbolahan, director of finance and accounts; Umesi Emenike, director, special duties; and Alhassan Nuhu, director, risk reduction.

Others are Mamman Ali Ibrahim, pilot in charge of air ambulance and aviation unit; Ganiyu Deji, chief maintenance officer; and Kanar Mohammed, director of welfare.

The house has since asked the agency to reinstate them.

Addressing the panel, Magu said the EFCC did not have a prepared submission on the probe of the suspended officials.

He said the anti-graft agency would make available details of the probe when they are ready.

When asked by Ali Isa, deputy chairman of the committe, who is presiding over the session, if he has no document to tender to the lawmakers to give them a clue to the probe, Magu responded: “No document to tender before the committee (with me) now. I will deliver these documents at a later date.”

He was then granted permission to leave the session.

Oyo-Ita was represented at the sitting by Mustapha Suleiman, a permanent secretary at the office of the head of service.

Osinbajo did not send a representative.