There have been reports of some drama at the venue
of the presidential panel, probing the activities of the Economic
and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, under the watch of its
suspended acting chairman, Ibrahim Magu.
The chairman of the presidential panel, Justice Ayo Salami
reportedly ordered security operatives to walk out two lawyers on
Magu’s legal team shortly after they were introduced.
Channels Television gathered that trouble began after Mr. Magu’s
lead counsel, Wahab Shittu introduced other members of the legal
team but Justice Salami interrupted him, insisting that only Mr.
Shittu would be allowed to defend the suspended EFCC acting
chairman.
The Salami-led panel is investigating a series of allegations
brought against Mr. Magu and the EFCC under his watch.
Last week, Magu asked the Justice Ayo Salami-led investigative
presidential panel, to recall the witnesses who testified against
him in his absence at the ongoing corruption probe.
In a letter dated September 4 and addressed to the Chairman of
the Judicial Commission of Inquiry, through his counsel, Wahab
Shittu, Mr Magu said that the request to recall several witnesses
was in the interest of fair hearing.
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According to the letter, the suspended EFCC boss is the subject
matter in the investigation which was approved by President
Muhammadu Buhari in July.
His lawyers also urged the panel to investigate, verify and
review the recommendations of the Presidential Committee on the
audit of recovered assets, as it relates to the EFCC and the role
the suspended anti-graft agency’s boss allegedly played in the
mismanagement of the recovered assets.
They also asked the panel to investigate the abuse of office and
non-compliance with official directives alleged committed by Mr.
Magu.
The lawyers stated that based on the concerns raised, Mr. Magu
was entitled to participate in the entire proceedings and an
opportunity to cross-examine all the witnesses.
Read more https://swordpress.com.ng/2020/09/15/justice-salami-sends-magus-lawyers-out-of-court/