Magu’s Lawyer Insists That Justice Salami Expressed Regret Handling The EFCC Boss’s Case

The counsel to the suspended acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Magu, is not ready to let go of the statement attributed to a former President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Salami.

Zainab Abiola, one of the counsel to the embattled EFCC boss, on Friday, sworn an affidavit of truth claiming that the head of the presidential panel probing Magu stated that he regrets headed the panel.

Abiola noted that Salami during one of the hearings of the probe expressed regret for heading the panel.

Recall that Salami had earlier denied expressing regrets for accepting the appointment to chair the panel.

Abiola in her effort to prove her claim took an affidavit of an oath, swearing under the law to state that Salami truly confessed to regretting heading the probe of Magu.

One of Magu’s counsel further stated that the incident happened during one of the probes when the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, was to attend.

Abiola revealed that while the lawyers and others were seated at the panel before the commencement of the hearing, Justice Salami said the case was embarrassing and he regretted taking it.

She said, “On simultaneously entering the panel room upstairs, the first floor, and seeing the Chairman Justice Ayo Salami (Rtd) and the members of the panel we all greeted each other most respectfully.”

“The general atmosphere was one of expectation from everyone in the room that the AGF (Attorney-General of the Federation) would honour the panel’s invitation to appear before it.”

“Soon after, the Chairman of the panel expressed his regrets and said amongst other things the following specific words. “l regret chairing this panel, honestly. Since 2013 I retired and went back to my place. What is all this? It is embarrassing, very embarrassing,” Abiola swore.

She said that Salami was comforted by Barrister Tosin Esq, who said, “Your Lordship, please don’t be embarrassed and don’t abdicate. This is a national assignment and we are all here for justice.”

Abiola added that the Closed Circuit Television at the Presidential Villa can be reviewed to verify her claims.