Press Release
FOLLOW DUE PROCESS OF LAW IN MAGU’S TRIAL, ANEEJ URGES FG

FOLLOW DUE PROCESS OF LAW IN MAGU’S TRIAL, ANEEJ URGES FG

BENIN CITY, EDO STATE. July 8, 2020… A leading anti-corruption Civil Society Organisation, the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice, ANEEJ has welcomed the suspension of the the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) Mr. Ibrahim Magu by President Muhammadu Buhari, but urges  that he should be given fair hearing in all allegations levelled against him as provided for by the laws of the land.

Executive Director of ANEEJ, the Rev David Ugolor, in his official reaction to the suspension of Mr. Ibrahim Magu today noted that, his suspension from any rational reasoning should be to pave way for unbiased investigation.

“What President Buhari has demonstrated with his action is that nobody is above the law and if Magu can be interrogated and suspended, then it is an important lesson for all Nigerians. It is an important aspect of democracy and lesson in the fight against corruption in the country,” Ugolor said.

The ANEEJ Boss further states: “While we welcome the procedure of President Muhammadu Buhari to suspend Mr. Magu from office as he is undergoing investigation, we request that he should be treated only as a suspect and be given fair hearing. He should be allowed access to his lawyers and be charged to court within 24 hours as allowed by the law.

“We are aware that he was taken for questioning before a presidential panel yesterday and detained later. Whatever are the allegations against him, as a citizen of Nigeria, he is entitled to the due process of the law and the law should be cautiously followed in handling his case.” Ugolor advised.

“The Federal Government understands that this is a high-profile case that will attract international attention and as such, should be guided by the rule of law in handling this matter at all stages,” Ugolor submitted.

It would be recalled that Mr. Magu reportedly spent the night in a police cell at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Headquarters in Abuja on Monday.

This followed a six-hour grilling by a presidential panel, chaired by Justice Ayo Salami, a former president of the Court of Appeal.

Buhari set up the panel to probe various allegations levelled against Magu, following a petition by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and the Department of State Service (DSS).

For further information, please contact 08187674339 or info@aneej.org and follow us on twitter, Instagram and facebook: @aneejnigria, @Latakpu, aneej__nigeria and facebook.com/aneejnigeria

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