Magu probe: Counsel to suspended EFCC Chairman alleges foul play
Counsel representing Ibrahim Magu, the suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Wahab Shittu, has formally written the Justice Ayo Salami-led Judicial Commission of Inquiry.
In his letter, which is dated 11th August, and addressed to the chairman of the panel, Mr Shittu accused the panel of acting secretively and employing illegal tactics to deny his client a fair hearing.
Mr Shittu also alleged that the panel’s proceedings had been conducted in violation of not only the presidential instrument appointing it but also the Tribunal of Inquiry Act, 2004, which empowers the President to set up the JCI.
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He described as “curious and worrisome” that the Salami led panel, which was ab initio set up as an administrative panel of inquiry to take oral and documentary evidence in the past month has now taken up a new role as a Judicial Commission of Inquiry.
“How this comes within the contemplation of a Commission of the Tribunal of Inquiry Act 2004 is very questionable.”
“Please, be further advised that by the instrument of appointment signed by the president of the federal republic of Nigeria on the July 3, 2020 and served on our client on August 8, 2020, the judicial commission of inquiry is to conclude all proceedings of the Inquiry within 45 days unless given express extension in writing by the president of the federal republic of Nigeria” Wahab said in his letter.
The suspended Chairman’s counsel also noted what he considered to be another contravention of the Tribunal of Inquiry Act of 2004. According to him, he was never allowed to cross-examine the witness who testified against his client, which goes against the provisions of the Act.
