EFCC Appoints Director Of Operations, Mohammed Umar To Replace Embattled Boss, Ibrahim Magu

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has appointed its Director of Operations, Mr Mohammed Umar, to oversee the affairs of the agency in the absence of the acting chairman, Ibrahim Magu.

A top official of the commission disclosed this while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday.

The source, who asked not to be named, said Umar was chosen by the “EFCC’s hierarchy” following the reported suspension of Magu.

The EFCC official said that the commission had not received any official communication on the reported suspension.

KanyiDaily had reported that Magu was arrested by security operatives on Monday, July 6, 2029, and whisked away to the Presidential Villa to face an investigate panel set up by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The embattled acting chairman is being interrogated by Ayo Salami-led presidential panel over allegations of gross misconduct against him.

However, the EFCC official defended Magu against the allegations, saying they were not true. He said Magu’s travails might be emanated from complaints by staff of the commission over poor welfare and delay in promotion.

“I can tell you that all the allegations against Magu are untrue. I see the whole situation as a power play.

“Preparations for the 2023 elections are another reason they want Magu out because he knows too much.

“Another thing is the problem of staff welfare, imagine somebody like me for close to 10 years, I have not gained any promotion.

“We are not happy about the news of his suspension, but I know that members of staff are not happy with him,” the official said.

KanyiDaily had reported that Magu was arrested following some allegations levelled against him by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), in a memo to the President.

The memo raised by Malami has some damning allegations against Magu, who was alleged, among other allegations, of insubordination to the AGF, ‘relooting of recovered loots’ and Sale of seized assets to cronies, associates and friends.

The EFCC Boss was also accused of corruption and money laundering based on allegations that he owns four questionable properties and that he was allegedly transferring funds abroad through a third party.

On Tuesday, July 7,2020, President Buhari suspended Magu as the EFCC acting chairman, pending the conclusion of the panel’s investigation.