Presidential Panel Wants Police Out Of EFCC, To End Magu Probe

The Justice Isa Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry is set to conclude investigation into the activities of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) led by the suspend Ibrahim Magu.

Naija News reports that the panel which has been investigating Magu for about five months plans to conclude and submit its reports to President Muhammadu Buhari this week.

It was gathered that of the reports contains a recommendation to Buhari to no longer pick the head of the EFCC from the police.

The Ayo Salami-led panel is also asking the president to stop the appointment of police officers into the anti-graft agency.

A source close to the panel said: “We are rounding off this week or as soon as the report can be taken from us.”

“The advisory to put EFCC’s woes on the police is unfair. In the last 17 years, EFCC recorded landmark achievements under the leadership of senior retired and serving police officers. All the past and present chairmen have won international awards. Police officers and men are not liabilities to EFCC.

“These same police detectives gave on-the-job training to the cadets. The essence of bringing police officers is to put cadets through on investigation. There are still investigative manpower gaps to be filled in EFCC.

“The EFCC as it is now does not have an enforcement unit. Policemen were seconded to the anti-graft agency to give back up during operations and when enforcement is required.

“After being used to deal with Magu, the police are now to be sacrificed on baseless allegation. But the Act is clear that a police officer can be chairman of EFCC. We don’t know whether they are planning to amend the EFCC Act.”

The source added: “I think the desperation to get Magu out of the EFCC has made some people to decide to throw away the baby with the bath water. The President should reject any recommendation to ease out policemen from the EFCC.”

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