By Chioma Iruke
A former Acting Chairman of Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) Ibrahim Magu, is still on the Federal Government’s payroll as a Police officer, despite his suspension as EFCC’s boss, the country’s Minister of Police Affairs, Maigari Dingyadi has said.
Speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ on Wednesday, Mr Dingyadi said Mr Magu is still in the service as a Police officer.
The minister said: “The matter is investigated and the man [Ibrahim Magu] is still in the service, he is still in the Force Headquarters, I don’t want to expatiate at this material time as to what is happening to the report of the committee.
“What I know is that the report has been submitted to Mr President and as far as I know, no communication has yet to be submitted to the ministry or the police force on this matter.
“So, we are waiting for the final outcome and the public will be informed as and when the need arises.”
“Of course, he is still a police officer even though he is under suspension. He used to be the chairman of the EFCC but he is no longer one.
“But that does not mean he is not on the payroll of the Federal Government; he is still a civil servant, he is still a police officer until a final decision is taken on the matter, I don’t think I should say anything more than I have said on this matter now,” Mr Dingyadi added.
Recall that Mr Magu was removed as EFCC acting chair by President Muhammadu Buhari, following allegation of corruption and insubordination.
He was arrested in July 2020 and made to appear before a Presidential Panel headed by a retired Court of Appeal Justice, Ayo Salami.