Government

EFCC Chair: Court Flooded With 17 Suits Over Magu

Published

7 years ago

September 27, 2017

EFCC Chair: Court Flooded With 17 Suits Over Magu

No fewer than 17 suits on the propriety or otherwise of Mr. Ibrahim Magu remaining as the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have been filed before various divisions of the Federal High Court.

Lawyers, who appeared before Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the Federal High Court in Abuja when one of the cases came up on Tuesday, said a related case was filed in the Yola Division of the court in Adamawa State, while another case on the same subject is before the Kano Division of the FHC.

Thr Majority of the cases were said to be pending before various judges of the Abuja Division of the court.

It was learnt that some of the 17 cases were in support of Magu, while the rest sought Magu’s removal from office on the grounds that he had been rejected by the Senate.

Meanwhile, when one of the pro-Magu suits came up before Justice Kolawole on Tuesday, two lawyers, representing two different law firms, presented separate letters of engagement to them to represent the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, and the Senate.

While Mr. S. O. Alhassan presented a letter, which engaged his law firm in June, Mr. Peter Abang presented a letter briefing his law firm in August.

The judge directed the two lawyers to sort out the conflicting briefs they got from the Senate before the next hearing date for the particular suit.

The particular suit was instituted by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Jibrin Okutepa, who was represented on Tuesday by Mr. Ocholi Okutepa.

President Muhammadu Buhari, the AGF, the National Assembly, the Senate and Saraki are the respondents to the suit.

But before the case was adjourned on Tuesday, Mr. Musa Abdul, who represented the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), sued as the second defendant, told the judge that the AGF had written to the former Chief Judge of the court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, seeking the consolidation of the cases.

He explained that the AGF’s office was aware of 10 cases in respect of Magu’s chairmanship of the EFCC and was therefore necessary to have the cases heard by one judge in order to avoid a situation where judges of the FHC would give conflicting decisions on the same subject matter.

Abdul stated that the former Chief Judge had also replied the AGF’s letter.

But one of the two lawyers, seeking to represent the Senate and Saraki in the case, Abang, said he was aware of 17 cases.

“There are, in fact, 17 cases on this subject matter. In fact, I will be appearing before Justice A. R. Mohammed in another case concerning the subject matter immediately I leave this court.

“We also have a similar suit in the Kano Division of the court,” he added.

He said his law firm had also formally requested the Chief Judge to consolidate the cases.

The other counsel, Alhassan, also intimated the judge about the case pending before the Yola Division.

After listening to the parties, Justice Kolawole directed them to bring to the attention of the Acting Chief Judge of the FHC, Justice Abdu Kafarati, efforts that had been made to get the cases heard by one judge.

He agreed that there was the need for the cases, including those filed in Kano and Yola, to be consolidated to avert “conflicting decisions” by the Federal High Court on the same subject matter.

He adjourned for about four weeks to await the directive of the Acting Chief Judge.

Justice Kolawole also noted that Alhassan and Abang, who were both seeking to represent the Senate and Saraki, “cannot be heard as currently constituted.”

The judge urged the two lawyers to “put heads together” and sort out their representation for the Senate and Saraki before the next hearing date.

The judge adjourned until November 1.

A lawyer, Mr. Oluwatosin Ojaomo, had earlier filed a suit seeking a declaratory order deeming that the Senate had confirmed Magu as the substantive Chairman of the EFCC.

In his originating summons, with suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/59/17, the plaintiff asked Justice John Tsoho to hold that the Senate lacked the statutory powers to reject the appointment of Magu having been validly nominated by President Muhammadu Buhari in consonance with the EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004.

The suit joined Saraki and the AGF.

In the 17-paragraph affidavit of urgency deposed to by the plaintiff, he wanted the court to hold that Magu’s appointment by Buhari was based on his sterling performance at the EFCC.

He added that Magu had courageously fought corruption in Nigeria according to his mandates and had successfully “recovered humongous sums of money” from the looters of the Nigerian treasury.

The plaintiff noted that Saraki and his wife were part of the persons currently being investigated by Magu.

He stated that the development implied that Magu would never get fair hearing before a Senate presided over by Saraki.

Also, two groups, Save Nigeria Group and Kingdom Human Rights Foundation International, on July 7, withdrew their suit filed in December 2016, seeking orders compelling Buhari to declare the chairmanship position of the EFCC vacant.

The plaintiffs had, also in the same suit, urged the court to compel Buhari to sack the suspended Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Babachir Lawal.

But upon an oral application by the plaintiffs’ lawyer, Mr. Kindgdom Okere, on Friday, seeking the withdrawal of the suit, Justice Tsoho struck out the case.

Speaking with our correspondent after the July 7 proceedings, Okere had told our correspondent that the boards of the plaintiffs had reviewed the activities of Magu as acting Chairman of the EFCC and had decided to support him.

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Samed Olukoya

Is the CEO/Founder of Investors King Limited. A proven foreign exchange research analyst and a published author on Yahoo Finance, Businessinsider, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur.com, Investorplace, and many more. He has over two decades of experience in global financial markets.

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Government

Netanyahu Stands Firm as US Halts Bomb Shipment Over Rafah Invasion Warning

Published

1 week ago

May 10, 2024

Samed Olukoya

Amidst escalating tensions between Israel and the United States, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has adopted a defiant stance following the US decision to halt a shipment of bombs and warned against Israel’s potential invasion of the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

In a bold statement, Netanyahu declared, “If we have to stand alone, we will stand alone,” emphasizing Israel’s resolve to pursue its objectives despite opposition.

The Prime Minister’s comments, delivered via social media and a subsequent interview with American talk show host Dr. Phil, underscore Israel’s determination to address security threats posed by the Gaza Strip, particularly by Hamas militants operating in Rafah.

Netanyahu reiterated the necessity of military action in Rafah to eliminate the remaining Hamas battalions, condemned Hamas’s history of violence and reiterated Israel’s commitment to achieving victory and ensuring the safety of its citizens.

The US administration, led by President Joe Biden, expressed concerns over the potential humanitarian impact of an Israeli invasion of Rafah, prompting the decision to withhold additional offensive weapons shipments to Israel.

Biden’s statement echoed broader international apprehensions about the escalation of violence and civilian casualties in the conflict-stricken region.

However, Netanyahu remained resolute in Israel’s approach, asserting the country’s right to defend itself against security threats. He emphasized Israel’s efforts to minimize civilian casualties and facilitate the evacuation of civilians from Rafah before any military action.

Despite the US’s decision to pause the bomb shipment, Netanyahu affirmed Israel’s commitment to its longstanding alliance with the US. He acknowledged past disagreements between the two nations but expressed optimism about resolving current tensions through dialogue and cooperation.

In response, White House officials reiterated the US’s support for Israel’s security while urging restraint and emphasizing the need to avoid actions that could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The administration clarified that the decision to halt the bomb shipment was aimed at preventing potential civilian casualties in Rafah.

The confrontation between Israel and the US underscores the complexity of navigating regional conflicts and balancing strategic interests. As tensions persist, both nations face the challenge of reconciling their respective security imperatives with broader humanitarian concerns, seeking to avert further escalation while addressing the root causes of the conflict in the Middle East.

Government

EFCC Declares Former Kogi Governor, Yahaya Bello, Wanted Over N80.2 Billion Money Laundering Allegations

Published

4 weeks ago

April 19, 2024

Samed Olukoya

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has escalated its pursuit of justice by declaring former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, wanted over alleged money laundering amounting to N80.2 billion.

In a first-of-its-kind action, the EFCC announced Bello’s wanted status in connection with the alleged embezzlement of funds during his tenure as governor.

The commission, armed with a 19-count criminal charge, accused Bello and his cohorts of conspiring to launder the hefty sum, which was purportedly diverted from state coffers for personal gain.

The declaration of Bello as a wanted fugitive came after a series of failed attempts by the EFCC to effect his arrest.

Despite an ex-parte order from Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, mandating the EFCC to apprehend and produce Bello in court for arraignment, the former governor managed to evade capture with the reported assistance of his successor, Governor Usman Ododo.

This latest development shows the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in holding powerful individuals accountable for their actions.

However, it also demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the EFCC to uphold the rule of law and ensure that justice is served, irrespective of the status or influence of the accused.

In response to the EFCC’s declaration, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, issued a stern warning to Bello, stating that fleeing from the law would not resolve the allegations against him.

Fagbemi urged Bello to honor the EFCC’s invitation and cooperate with the investigation process, saying it is important to uphold the rule of law and respect the authority of law enforcement agencies.

The EFCC’s pursuit of Bello underscores the agency’s mandate to combat corruption and financial crimes, sending a strong message that individuals implicated in corrupt practices will be held accountable for their actions.

Government

Concerns Mount Over Security as National Identity Card Issuance Shifts to Banks

Published

1 month ago

April 15, 2024

Samed Olukoya

Amidst the National Identity Management Commission’s (NIMC) recent announcement that the issuance of the proposed new national identity card will be facilitated through applicants’ respective banks, concerns are escalating regarding the security implications of involving financial institutions in the distribution process.

The federal government, in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS), introduced a new identity card with payment functionality, aimed at streamlining access to social and financial services.

However, the decision to utilize banks as distribution channels has sparked apprehension among industry stakeholders.

Mr. Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, clarified that applicants would request the card by providing their National Identification Number (NIN) through various channels, including online portals, NIMC offices, or their respective banks.

Adegoke emphasized that the new National ID Card would serve as a single, multipurpose card, encompassing payment functionality, government services, and travel documentation.

Despite NIMC’s assurances, concerns have been raised regarding the necessity and security implications of introducing a new identity card system when an operational one already exists.

Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo, President of the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers, questioned the rationale behind the new General Multipurpose Card (GMPC), citing NIMC’s existing mandate to issue such cards under Act No. 23 of 2007.

Ogunbanjo highlighted the successful implementation of MobileID by NIMC, which has provided identity verification for over 15 million individuals.

He expressed apprehension about integrating the new ID card with existing MobileID systems and raised concerns about data privacy and unauthorized duplication of ID cards.

Moreover, stakeholders are seeking clarification on the responsibilities for card blocking, replacement, and delivery in case of loss or theft, given the involvement of multiple parties, including banks, in the issuance process.

The shift towards utilizing banks for identity card issuance raises fundamental questions about data security, privacy, and the integrity of the identification process.

With financial institutions playing a pivotal role in distributing sensitive government documents, there are valid concerns about potential vulnerabilities and risks associated with this approach.

As the debate surrounding the security implications of the new national identity card continues to intensify, stakeholders are calling for greater transparency, accountability, and collaboration between government agencies and financial institutions to address these concerns effectively.

The paramount importance of safeguarding citizens’ personal information and ensuring the integrity of the identity verification process cannot be overstated, especially in an era of increasing digital interconnectedness and heightened cybersecurity threats.