Magu: Malami backtracks, refuses to testify before Salami panel

THE Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has informed the Justice Salami-led Presidential panel probing the suspended acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu of his decision not to appear before it.

Malami made his decision known through a letter he sent to the head of the panel on Thursday.

The Minister of Justice told the panel  that he would not be able to appear before the investigative body because of the privileges of his office.

This is coming a fortnight after he had earlier given his words that he would appear before the panel to testify if he was invited.

Malami is believed to be the architect of the ongoing investigation into the years in office of the suspended EFCC czar, Ibrahim Magu.

Magu’s legal team led by Mr. Wahab Shittu, had subpoenaed Malami, demanding that he appeared before the panel to substantiate the allegations he lodged against the suspended EFCC boss.

However, it was learnt that during the sitting of the panel on Wednesday, Salami read out a letter from Malami stating that he would no longer be able to appear.

Confirming the incident to newsmen on Thursday, a lawyer to Magu, Mr. Tosin Ojaomo, said they were all shocked when the Justice Salami read out the letter.

He said, “We were all gathered at the Presidential Villa for the day’s proceedings when Justice Salami read out a letter from the AGF. The AGF stated that he would not be able to testify because his constitutional role does not include testifying. He said his duty was to prosecute and file charges.

“I was shocked because Section 174 of the constitution does not give the AGF such privileges. Isn’t it funny that the AGF who levelled a series of allegations against Magu is now refusing to substantiate the allegations that emanated from his office?”

Recall that Magu was suspended in July based on some reports by investigative panels set up by the AGF.

Some of the allegations were that Magu was unable to account for the interest accrued to over N500bn in recovered funds and that he allegedly bought a house in Dubai for N570m.

Magu was also said to have shown insubordination to the AGF’s office.

Over 40 persons including those standing trial for corruption have testified before the panel, a move which has been criticised by Magu’s team and other anti-corruption groups.

The panel is supposed to have ended its sitting since last month but was given a six-week extension which lapses this month