Editors’ note: This story has been updated with a footnote to reflect the latest development.
What can we say when an anti-corruption czar is found wanting for the same offence? In a movie-like twist of events, Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, has been reportedly arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS); leaving Nigerians shell-shocked.
Arrested on allegations that he owned four landed properties and that he had illegally transferred funds abroad through a third party, attention was also drawn to claims of Magu living an exorbitantly lavish lifestyle. Instances include his high-end taste for first-class air travels, his residence which is supposedly rented for N40 million at N20 million per annum and the luxurious furnishings of the apartment which had cost N43 million.
Reports indicate that he was allegedly arrested on Monday and is under intensive interrogation at the DSS Headquarters in Aso Drive.
Comments about the downright comedic events in the country filled Twittersphere; with Nigerians sighing and laughing in exasperation at the incredulous news.
NEW: DSS arrest EFCC chairman Magu
This country is funny Sha.
— the Morris Monye factor (@Morris_Monye) July 6, 2020
EFCC chairman Magu has been arrested by DSS for alleged money laundering,head of financial crimes agency being arrested for financial crime.
This country Na season film wey no funny— Dehkunle Of Africa? ? (@Dehkunle) July 6, 2020
Many pondered on how the EFCC, responsible for investigating criminals, would have a boss who is an alleged “offline Yahoo boy.”
Dear @officialEFCC , so your boss is an offline Yahoo boy ???.
Kindly update us on his arrest.
We must work together to stamp out corruption inside EFCC ??
— DEMAGOGUE PhD.?senior advocat? (@von_Bismack) July 6, 2020
How can they arrest EFCC boss, Ibrahim Magu for corruption?? He's the oga of fighting corruption for crying out loud??? pic.twitter.com/25LLbSnpuB
— ChudeeTheNerd Jay (@UtaziJay) July 6, 2020
Some argued that the audacity Magu exhibited in allegedly dipping into corrupt practices was because he assumed he was “untouchable” as the EFCC Chairman.
Magu must have believed that becos he’s the EFCC chairman he can do as he likes.
Make him sef go chill with Adeherself small. make he see as the place dey be..
— BREZZADDICT? (@waxzyy_) July 6, 2020
The EFCC has however refuted media reports on the said arrest, stating that he merely honoured a panel invitation. The agency emphasised that its Chairman was neither apprehended nor forced to honour an invitation and that a member of a legal team from the EFCC was also with him on the Panel.
MAGU HONOURS PANEL INVITATION pic.twitter.com/ufuXtG62vY
— EFCC Nigeria (@officialEFCC) July 6, 2020
Similarly, the DSS has refuted reports on the arrest and issued a statement via its spokseman, Peter Afunanya.
“The Department of State Services (DSS) wishes to inform the public that it did not arrest Ibrahim MAGU, Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as has been reported by sections of the media. “The Service, has since, today, 6th July, 2020, been inundated with enquiries over the alleged arrest,” the statement read.
Toluwanimi Onakoya is a spirited writer, creative and videographer. Her biggest drive is to connect with people and depict tales using various forms of media.
Toluwanimi is available on Instagram and Twitter @nimi_onaks
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