The Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu has disclosed the commission’s plans to arrest more influential Nigerians in the coming days in continuation of the ongoing anti- graft crusade.
Speaking at a forum with online and broadcast media managers on Wednesday, Magu said since he took over the leadership of the commission, he had undertaken necessary reforms and repositioned it to be able to fulfill its mandate.
“The effect of this, which is obvious for all to see, is the investigation, arrest and prosecution of some of the most powerful forces in Nigeria, who have questions to answer on their stewardship whilst in office.
“A former National Security Adviser, former ministers, former governors, serving and retired military men, a media mogul and several others, are among those we have called to answer critical questions concerning the management of our commonwealth.
“As we speak, many more influential Nigerians are on the radar of the EFCC and, in the coming weeks, they would have their days in court and Nigerians will be kept fully abreast of the results of our investigations,” he said.
According to the EFCC boss, in carrying out the mandate of the commission, he has been guided by the “fear of God, national interest and the rule of law.”
He said apart from bringing corrupt public officers to justice, the EFCC under his leadership is determined, in line with the stance of the current administration under President Muhammadu Buhari to send “unmistakable message” to everyone, that no Nigerian shall be regarded as above the law or treated as sacred cow as far as the fight against corruption is concerned.
He also sought the support of the media in the fight against corruption, saying the EFCC already had the support of all other stakeholders.
He said he held a meeting with the president on Wednesday, and that the message from President Buhari was nothing but total support for the agency.
“By far more inspirational is the political will of Mr. President to fight corruption. This unbending will, which some now call body language has given the needed traction to the anti-graft campaign,” he said.
He also recalled the massive boost given to the battle by the Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Mohammed Mahmud in his comments during the recent All Judges’ Conference.
“We believe that when holistically and effectively put into practice, the measures would drastically cut the time corruption cases spend in court before Nigerians know whether the accused is guilty as charged or innocent of the crime.
“As a Commission, the EFCC is very determined to put into productive effect, the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, (ACJA), 2015. This law, which has been rightly labeled a legal “revolution”, by none other than Professor Itse Sagay, chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Anti-corruption, could not have come at a better time than now, when Nigerians are yearning for justice.
“On the part of the EFCC, I can assure you that the effect of our even more penetrating investigations and commitment to rid Nigeria of all forms of corruption and economic and financial crimes can –and will continue to be– seen from the cases we take to court for trial,” he said.
