Magu, former crimes commission chairman regains freedom after ten days in detention

The suspended chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Ibrahim Magu, has been released on Wednesday after spending ten days in detention, following his arrest by security agents while on his way to office.

Penpushing reports Magu’s arrest amidst allegations of gross misconduct and driven to the Presidential Villa where he appeared before a panel investigating the allegations against him and after his appearance before the panel, he was taken into custody by the police, where he was held by detectives.

The embattled Magu was subsequently suspended following allegation of corruption, insubordination and abuse of office by Attorney-General Abubakar Malam, but he (Magu) denied wrongdoing, with his aides arguing that he has run the office diligently and away from sharp practices.

Penpushing also reports that, the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu has distanced the police from the detention of Magu,and this was in response to  a letter on application for his bail made last week by one of his counsel, Tosin Ojaomo

The lawyer  had addressed the application to the police boss to grant  Magu bail on “self recognizance”, and in the application pledged to provide a credible surety who will ensure that Magu is available any time he is needed during the investigation.

“Finally, if our application for bail on self-recognisance is not acceptable, we are ready to provide a credible surety that will ensure the availability of our client anytime he is needed for the purpose of this investigation,” the lawyer wrote.

Penpushing reports that, the police boss his response to the application through a letter dated July 14 and signed by his principal staff officer, Idowu Owohunwa,  advised  Magu’s counsel to redirect his application to the presidential panel which he said is the one investigating and detaining him.

“The Inspector-General directs that your attention be drawn to the fact that the Nigerian police are not investigating CP Ibrahim Magu and he is accordingly, not being detained by the police but by the Presidential panel that is investigating the activities Economic and Finacial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

“The Inspector-General of Police, therefore, advises you that consider redirecting your request to the Chairman of the presidential panel for appropriate attention,” the police boss said.