TheNewsGuru

Tag: Probe

  • Magu’s probe: Prepare for surprises, presidency tells Nigerians

    Magu’s probe: Prepare for surprises, presidency tells Nigerians

    There is more to be heard and seen as regards the case of suspended acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ibrahim Magu, this is according to a statement from the presidency.

    Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, who made the revelations during an interview session on Channels Television’s on Sunday said that Nigerians should prepare for surprises as the panel probing the suspended chairman is getting set to submit a report of its findings.

    Mr Shehu said the Justice Ayo Salami-led panel has been updating the President on some of their findings, noting that Nigerians will be amazed as to the content of the panel’s report.

    He said President Buhari is recognized internationally for his fight against corruption and deserves to be commended.

    The spokesman assured that where wrongdoings are detected, they will always be addressed.

    Mr Shehu, therefore, asked Nigerians to ignore those persons who are trying to cast aspersions on the efforts of the Justice Ayo Salami-led panel.

  • Buhari speaks on NDDC crisis, orders speedy, coordinated probe of alleged missing N40bn

    Buhari speaks on NDDC crisis, orders speedy, coordinated probe of alleged missing N40bn

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday spoke on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) N40 billion probe, which has sparked a row between the National Assembly and the agency’s Interim Management Committee (IMC).

    The President ordered a “speedy” and “coordinated investigation” of the activities of the NDDC management.

    He said there should be a better coordination among security and investigation agencies, and the National Assembly to unravel the problems militating against the agency’s performance and factors undermining the development of the Niger Delta.

    President Buhari, who vowed to wield the big stick against culprits in the agency’s mismanagement, expressed his determination “to get to the root of the problems.”

    The President also said he will not tolerate any form of disrespect to the National Assembly by his appointees.

    The president, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, titled: “NDDC: President Buhari directs speedy coordinated investigation”, said sanity, transparency and accountability should be restored in the management of resources allocated to NDDC for the development of the region.

    Also, Senate President Ahmed Lawan, who expressed dismay at the rancorous investigation, warned that the National Assembly will no more tolerate rascality on the part of government’s appointees.

    President Buhari and the Senate President issued their stern warnings, shortly after the NDDC Managing Director, Prof. Kemebradikumo Pondei, walked out on the Olubunmi Ojo-led House of Representatives Committee, which is investigating the alleged N40 billion sleaze in the agency.

    Southsouth governors backed the forensic probe of the NDDC, saying that it is in the interest of the region.

    The chairman of the Southsouth Governors’ Forum, Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, said the probe would reposition the agency for better performance.

    There was drama at the committee sitting when Pondei declined to make a presentation on the ground that Tunji-Ojo was an “interested party” in the NDDC affairs.

    Irked by his outburst, the Committee ordered a warrant of arrest on him.

    President Buhari, in his first public reaction to the NDDC probe, directed all agencies and auditing firms investigating the misuse of NDDC resources to work together with the National Assembly in ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.

    He said the agencies “must act with urgency and a sense of purpose”, adding that they should keep him abreast of all actions being taken.”

    The President also urged the agencies and individuals involved in the running of the agency to exercise caution.

    The president’s statement reads in part: “President Buhari has given directives for better coordination among security and investigating agencies with the National Assembly to ensure that the administration’s effort to bring sanity, transparency and accountability to the management of the large amount of resources dedicated to development of the Niger Delta sub-region is not derailed.

    “In his reaction to the unfolding drama, which include attacks and counter-attacks between and around persons, institutions, and the NDDC, President Buhari expressed his strong determination to get to the root of the problems undermining the development of the Niger Delta and its peoples, in spite of enormous national resources voted year after year for this singular purpose.

    “President Buhari said the administration wants to bring about “rapid, even and sustainable development to the region.

    ”The President gave firm assurance that his administration would put in place a transparent and accountable governance framework, not only in the NDDC but in all other institutions of government.”

    President Buhari said his administration would not tolerate any form of disrespect to the National Assembly.

    He gave the assurance when he received the leadership of the National Assembly, led by the President of the Senate, Senior Ahmad Lawan, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila, at the State House.

    According to a separate statement issued by Shehu, the President restated his respect for the National Assembly as a democratic institution.

    He said: “President Muhammadu Buhari received in audience the distinguished Senate President Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan and Rt. Honorable Speaker of the House of Representatives Honorable Femi Gbajabiamila at the State House, Aso Villa.

    “The meeting, which lasted for almost an hour, was characterized by an engaging discussion on a range of key issues of National importance particularly the role of the Legislature as a critical component in supporting their common goal and commitment towards improving the lives of the people of Nigeria.

    “In the course of their conversation, recent events at the National Assembly were highlighted and the President re-emphasized his utmost respect for the National Assembly, adding that any disrespect to the institution by any member of the executive branch will not be accepted.

    “Ministers and all heads of Departments and Agencies should at all times conduct themselves in ways that will not undermine the National Assembly as an institution, its leadership and members.

    “The President and the leaders of the National Assembly recognized and acknowledged that the Executive and Legislative arms of government are essential partners in the fulfillment of their mutually aligned goal of improving the lives of the Nigerian people”, the statement said..

    Senate President Lawan told State House correspondents that the National Assembly would no “longer tolerate indiscrete attitudinal displays from presidential appointees.”

    He lamented that some appointees were bent on damaging the existing cordial relations between Buhari and the National Assembly.

    Lawan said: “If you are an appointee of the President, you are supposed to be reflective of the attitude of the President towards the National Assembly.

    “The National Assembly will take exception to any attitude or disposition that is not in support of the harmony in the relationship between the two arms of government.

    ”We have had a very good engagement with Mr President. Mr President has always respected the Legislature, he has always commended the National Assembly members for always being there to ensure that the requests by the Executive, in the national interest, are processed.”

  • Probe: Detectives comb Magu’s office, arrest top aides

    Probe: Detectives comb Magu’s office, arrest top aides

    Some detectives on Monday searched the office of the suspended acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu as part of the ongoing investigation by the Justice Ayo Salami Investigative panel.

    It was learnt that a vital computer was retrieved by the investigators.

    Also, more EFCC officials, including the acting Director of the Assets Forfeiture and Recovery Management Unit were grilled by the panel.

    Also quizzed were some of Magu’s aides.

    It was also learnt that the committee sought clarifications on 332 assets recovered by the EFCC.

    According to a report by The Nation, the detectives also screened and profiled mobile phones of Magu’s close aides.

    They were all allowed to go home last night.

    But Magu, who was present during the siting, which lasted about 12 hours, did not make any appearance before the committee, it was learnt.

    The detectives were at the The EFCC headquarters to search Magu’s office based on intelligence, it was also learnt.

    A source said privy to the development said: “The detectives frisked the office and went away with the main desktop computer suspected to have some information.

    “Two key aides of Magu were later asked to appear before the panel for some clarifications. They were there till about 9.30pm.

    “Apart from Magu’s direct aides, the EFCC’s acting Director, Directorate of Asset Forfeiture and Recovery Management, Mr. Aliyu Yusuf, interacted with the Salami panel.

    “I think Aliyu Yusuf’s summons was in respect of the 332 assets recovered from suspects by the commission. The panel is demanding comprehensive details on the assets which have attracted public interest.

    “The committee was very strict in sitting behind closed doors by ensuring that only those needed were allowed to meet with the team.”

  • [NDDC crisis] Akpabio Vs Nunieh: Reps may ask Minister to step down to enable House probe allegations leveled against him

    [NDDC crisis] Akpabio Vs Nunieh: Reps may ask Minister to step down to enable House probe allegations leveled against him

    From all indications, the House of Representatives may ask Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio to step aside as minister supervising the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC to enable it properly probe into the weighty allegations leveled against him by the ex-Managing Director of the Interim Management Committee, IMC of the commission.

    A probe into it by TheNewsGuru.com, TNG revealed that by way of a motion, the House during plenary may ask Akpabio to step aside over the mudslinging between him and Dr Joi Nunieh, ex-MD of the Commission.

    A source privy to this development told TNG that barring any last minute change in procedures, the motion maybe listed in Tuesday’s legislative session.

    He said” we have it in good authority that the matter may not be allowed to vanish considering the weighty allegations and accusations raised by Dr Nunieh.

    Recall that after last week’s investigative hearing in the Senate, Nunieh had opened a can of worms in a press briefing.

    Akpabio too had not spared her as he raised issues on her character and she has vowed to challenge him in court.

    Also, the lawmakers too are not too happy because their names were dragged into the foray.

  • Magu faces fresh query over missing 332 houses, two oil vessels

    Magu faces fresh query over missing 332 houses, two oil vessels

    The suspended acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC),Mr Ibrahim Magu, has again been accused of allegedly failing to give proper account of missing 332 out of the 836 recovered real estate property in March, 2018.

    A report by the Presidential Committee on Audit of Recovered Assets (PCARA) made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) confirmed the development, indicating that the unaccounted property was worth billions of naira.

    The report also noted massive wastage and deterioration of physical assets (including landed property, cars and vessels recovered by the EFCC due to poor management.

    It also noted with concern the failure to preserve and realise the economic value of the recovered assets, noting that some of the assets were recovered over 15 years ago and left fallow.

    “A disturbing example is the two vessels that allegedly sunk at NNS Beecroft Naval BASE, Lagos and NNS Pathfinder Naval Base in Port Harcourt without trace under the watch of the acting Chairman of EFCC.

    “The vessels named MT GOOD SUCCESS, MV PSV DERBY and MV THAMES were allowed to sink in spite of several warnings from the Navy on the need to evacuate the petroleum products in the vessels.

    “The total value of the assets lost due to the negligence runs into millions of US bollars

    “The (suspended) acting Chairman is yet to provide a report on what happened to these vessels,’’ the report said.

    NAN reports that Magu, who is currently facing charges of mismanagement and lack of transparency in managing recovered assets as well as flagrant disobedience to directives and to court orders, would be expected to provide answers to the conflicting figures.

    The PCARA report also noted that the few consultants hired by EFCC were not managing a substantial number of the recovered assets and that the EFCC has no capacity to manage the entire assets on its own.

    The committee, therefore, alerted the nation on the economic and environmental implications of this negligent of duty by the commission.

    It equally observed that EFCC made conflicting submissions or returns to it in respect of the non-cash assets which substantially affected the committee’s assignment.

    The report read in part: “For instance, EFCC stated 836 as the number of Recovered Real Estate in the Original Returns it made to the President on 07/04/2017.

    “However, in its 1st Returns to PCARA on 13/12/2017, EFCC short changed the system and gave the figure of 339 thereby failing to account for 497 property.

    “It is interesting to note that when the Acting Chairman was further queried on this lapse, he made further contradictory 2nd return of 504 on 09/03/2018 thereby bridging the gap to 332 property.’’

    The committee identified lack of internal control mechanisms/ systems within EFCC and Lack of adequate returns by EFCC Departments and Zonal Offices as reasons for these discrepancies and inconsistencies by the commission.

    The suspended EFCC boss was also alleged to have neglected and refused to comply with the Regulations on the Management of Recovered Assets, 2019 as he embarked on disposing some of the property without regard to extant law.

    “These Regulations was issued in line with international best practices and to ensure that all the anti-corruption agencies report all their recovered assets in a database provided by the Federal Government.

    ’’It is important to note that the (suspended) Acting Chairman in apparent disregard of the regulation is disposing of these properties without regard to extant laws, and Regulations and without reference to the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and in effect, there is no way to have an audit of the property.

    “This is also a clear sign that there is a deliberate attempt to hide the exact figures of recoveries, which is an indication of fraudulent intent.

    “These actions of the (suspended) Ag. Chairman in refusing the Regulation is a clear case of refusal to follow lawful instructions and directives contrary to the provisions of the Act that establish the EFCC,’’ a separate report on the matter, addressed to the president, further noted.

    According to the fresh report obtained by NAN, Magu and some top officials of EFCC were allegedly using these recovered assets to corruptly enrich themselves.

    The report also listed the number of the affected properties suspected to have been illegally acquired as well as the bank accounts of those individuals serving as fronts for Magu and the affected EFCC officials.

    “Most of the recovered assets are allegedly sold without anyone knowing and without proper records and without recourse to the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing that has the mandate to undertake evaluation of such property.

    “Some of the assets have been taken over by EFCC officials while some are sold at a giveaway prices to friends and cronies of the Acting Chairman.

    “It is also on record that the (suspended) acting chairman is maintaining different accounts, including using proxies who return the benefit of the sold assets to him.

    “These funds are then used to procure property and lands in the names of some of his proxies,’’
    the report further stated.

  • Magu’s probe proof that anti-graft fight is real —Presidency

    Magu’s probe proof that anti-graft fight is real —Presidency

    The Presidency on Saturday averred that those who hold the belief that the ongoing probe of the suspended acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Magu, is an indication of the regime’s failing anti-corruption fight have missed the point.

    It said rather, the occurrence was a further proof that the fight is real and active.

    The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said this in a statement titled “Presidency’s statement on the suspension of Mr Ibrahim Magu.”

    This is the first time the Presidency will react officially since Magu’s troubles began on Monday when he was arrested and brought before the Justice Ayo Salami-led presidential panel.

    The statement read, “Those who see Mr Magu’s investigation, as a signal that the fight against corruption is failing, have unfortunately, missed the boat.

    “There is no better indication that the fight is real and active than the will to investigate allegations in an open and transparent manner against those who have been charged to be custodians of this very system.

    “Under this President and government, this is our mantra and guiding principle. There are no sacred cows, and for those who think they have a halo over their heads, their days are also numbered.

    “Mr Magu was not immune – and regardless of the obvious embarrassment that potential acts of wrongdoing by him, given the office he held, may appear for the government.

    “No other administration in the history of Nigeria would have moved to bring into the light and public domain such an allegation.”

    Shehu said that a series of documented allegations were made against Magu.

    He said a preliminary review of the allegations levelled against him and several other members of his staff showed that there were grounds for a detailed investigation to be conducted, hence, an investigative panel was created in compliance with the extant laws governing the convening of such a body.

  • Alleged misappropriation: Court rejects Okorocha’s request to stop probe by EFCC, Imo panel

    Alleged misappropriation: Court rejects Okorocha’s request to stop probe by EFCC, Imo panel

    An Abuja Federal High Court on Wednesday declined Senator Rochas Okorocha’s request for an order restraining the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the state probe panel from investigating him on alleged financial infractions.

    Justice Ahmed Mohammed rejected the request after counsel to the former Imo State governor, Oba Maduabuchi, SAN, informed the court that since the defence counsel asked for an adjournment to respond to processes served on them, the court should make an order stopping the parties in the suit from going ahead with the probe, pending the determination of the matter.

    Though counsel to the 1st defendant (EFCC) was not in court, the counsel to 2nd to 48th defendants, J.M. Madu, quickly interjected that the probe panel had not commenced sitting.

    Promising to inform the Attorney-General of Imo about the development, Madu urged them to respect the court and not to begin sitting until the suit was determined.

    Justice Mohammed then held that it would be of no use to grant a restraining order since Madu had undertaken to tell the parties not to go ahead with the probe pending when the matter would be determined.

    Besides, the judge held that since the EFCC was not represented in court to hear its side of the story, it would be unfair to grant the request in the interest of justice.

    In a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/558/2020 filed on May 28, Okorocha specifically wants the EFCC to end or suspend its investigation, including all the petitions submitted to it by the Imo government until the panel on contract set up by the same state government had concluded its probe on his government between 2011 and 2019.

    Other defendants in the suit are the Attorney-General of Imo; members of the Judicial Commission on Lands and Related Matters, members of the panel to investigate the activities of ISOPADEC; members of the panel to investigate the status of the newly established tertiary institutions; members of the investigative committee for financial transactions in Imo State; Committee for the Review of appointments recruitments and related matters from 2015 till date and the committee for the investigation of council areas, among others.

    Maduabuchi told the court that although the EFCC was duly served, it was not represent in court.

    He said the matter was for the originating motion to be heard and that all the defendants had been served with all processes, including the originally motion.

    He said: “I am prepared to move the motion. We have the motion (interlocutory injunction motion) dated May 28, restraining the respondents from probing or continue to probe the activities of Imo Government between 2011 and 2019.”

    Madu, who represented 2nd to 48th defendants, said he was not ready, pointing out that his clients only briefed him on the matter the previous day.

    Madu said: “Upon the review of the originating process and the plaintiff’s motion for injunction, we intend to file our responses to the said originating process and the motion.

    “In view of this my lord, and in the interest of fair hearing, we will apply for a short date my lord to file our responses.”

    Madu also hinted the court that he had another application pursuant to the directive of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, that all matters be transfered to where the cause of action aroused.

    “In the review of the originating motion of the plaintiff, we are humbly applying that this matter be transfered to Owerri Division of this court where the subject matter or cause of action aroused,” he said.

    Countering Madu’s position, Maduabuchi said the defendants cannot choose where the matter should be heard, adding: “This is because the basic law as it relates to venue is that a suit can be filed where any of the defendant is resident. The EFCC’s head office is here in Abuja.”

    He argued that the same chief judge, who made the circular, which he had not sighted and who had the constitutional power of assigning cases, was the person that assigned the case to the court.

  • JUST IN: DSS bar journalists from covering Magu’s probe

    JUST IN: DSS bar journalists from covering Magu’s probe

    Operatives of the Department of State Service (DSS) on Monday barred journalists from gaining access to Conference Centre of the State House where the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, was being grilled.

    Recall that the DSS had earlier denied arresting the acting chairman.

    However, when State House Correspondents went over to the Conference Centre to ascertain the state of the development, they were restricted by operatives of the DSS, many of whom had earlier been stationed within the premises of the Conference Centre.

    “They said you people should excuse the use of this place for today,” a security official detailed to the venue, politely told reporters.

    Details shortly…

  • Alleged Corruption: AfDB sets up independent panel to review report on Adesina’s probe

    Alleged Corruption: AfDB sets up independent panel to review report on Adesina’s probe

    The Bureau of the Board of Governors of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Thursday, appointed the Former President of Ireland, Mrs. Mary Robinson, the Chairperson of a High-Level Panel of Independent Experts it constituted to carry out an “Independent Review of the Report of the Ethics Committee of the Boards of Directors on the allegations made by whistle blowers against the President of the AfDB Group,” Dr. Akinwumi Adesina.

    A communiqué signed by the Chairperson of the Bureau of the Boards of Governors of the AfDB, Ms. Niale Kaba, said the panel is expected to submit its report to the bureau within a period of two to four weeks.

    The bureau expressed its utmost trust and confidence in the panel’s ability to successfully carry out this important assignment and reaffirms its commitment to fully assisting the panel in the process.

    “Robinson is a barrister by profession and is a former President of the Republic of Ireland. She was also the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. She, among other numerous global and national responsibilities, is the Chairperson of the Elders, a global body of wise persons concerned about the wellbeing of the world,” the bureau said.

    Other members of the independent review panel, according to the bureau, are the Chief Justice of the Gambia, Mr. Hassan B. Jallow and the President of LFMcCarthy Associates, Mr. Leonard F. McCarthy.

    “Jallow is a former Attorney General and Minister of Justice of the Republic of the Gambia as well as a former Justice of the Supreme Court of the Gambia. In 2003 he was appointed as a Judge of the Appeals Chamber of the Special Court for Sierra Leone and later that year as the Prosecutor of the United Nations’ International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR). On February 5, 2017, Justice Jallow was sworn-in as the Chief Justice of the Gambia.

    “McCarthy is a former Director of Public Prosecutions, a former Director for the Office of Serious Economic Offences, and a former Head of the Directorate of Special Operations of South Africa. He served as the Integrity Vice President of the World Bank for nine years. McCarthy is currently the President of LFMcCarthy Associates, Inc., an integrity risk management company based in Washington, D.C, USA.”

    The board described members of the panel as “individuals with unquestionable experience, high international reputation and professional integrity.”

    Their appointment was announced on July 1, by the AfDB board of governors in furtherance of its communiqué issued on June 4, 2020, which informed the general public of its decision to authorise an independent review of the Report of the Ethics Committee of the Boards of Directors relative to the allegations made by whistle blowers against the President of the AfDB Group.

  • Alleged Rape: IG orders probe of D’Banj

    Alleged Rape: IG orders probe of D’Banj

    Mohammed Adamu, the Inspector-General of Police has ordered a probe into the allegations of rape levelled against Afro-pop singer , Dapo Oyebanjo aka D’Banj.

     

    This is contained in a letter with reference number CB.7000/IGP.SEC/ABJ/VOl.484/801 signed by the Principal Staff Officer to the IG, DCP Idowu Owohunwa.

     

     

     

    The letter was addressed to the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department, Area 10, Garki, Abuja.

     

    The IG’s letter was in response to a petition written to the IG by Mr. Tommy Ojoge-Daniel, a lawyer to Miss Seyitan Babatayo, who accused D’Banj of raping her in 2018.

     

    The letter written by the IG is titled, ‘Re: Petition Against (1) Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo (Aka D’Banj) for Rape Indecent Sexual Assault, Attempted Assault on Miss Seyitan Temidayo

     

    The letter read in part, “I forward herewith copy of letter dated June 5, 2020 received from Ojoge, Omileye and Partners on the above underlined subject. I am to respectfully convey the directive of the Inspector-General of Police that you treat.

     

    “Accept the assurances of my esteemed regards please.”

     

    TheNewsGuru recalls that Seyitan’s friend, Benjamin Ese, in a Twitter thread in early June had recounted the story of how D’Banj allegedly raped Seyitan at a hotel two years ago – in December 2018.

     

    Seyitan noted that it happened at an all-white party where D’Banj allegedly offered her friend some money to spend the night which she rejected until he astonishingly showed up in Seyitan’s hotel room around 2 in the midnight.

     

    “D’Banj drove all the way from Eko hotel where he was lodged and came down to glee hotel in Victoria Island at midnight 2.40 am and collected the spare key from the receptionist,” Ese said in the thread which has since sparked an outrage.

     

     

     

    She said D’Banj allegedly “got into my friend’s room and forcefully threatened he would walk her out of the room naked, kept his fingers in her vagina and repeatedly raped her.”