The suspended acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, has kicked against the appearance of a prominent lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) before the Justice Ayo Salami-led panel.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the Senior Advocate of Nigeria had on Tuesday testified against Magu and submitted six pieces of evidence including two video clips and some documents.
During the two-hour session, Ozekhome testified about the alleged leadership failures of Magu and the investigative deficiencies of the anti-graft agency.
However, speaking on Ozekhome’s appearance, Magu’s lawyer, Tosin Ojaomo, said he knew the lawyer was invited by the panel but was unfortunate that Ozekhome’s testimony will be used against his client.
He added that Ozekhome, who had publicly lambasted the leadership of the EFCC and Magu, could be invited by the panel.
Ojaomo alleged the panel is looking for every possible means to crucify his client, hence the decision to invite people, who had issues with Magu.
“We are aware of the visit of Chief Ozekhome. His grouse is the freezing of his account in 2017, which was later unfrozen. Unfortunately, it only goes on to show that the panel is on a fishing expedition, because the panel is also inviting people, who have a score to settle with Magu,” Ojaomo said.
“This is not how panels are supposed to act. We all remember how the Justice Oputa panel conducted itself professionally many years ago. People, who were invited, were given petitions ahead of time so that they could defend themselves. Till date, Magu has not received any petition. Is this fair?”
I am surprised that Magu’s lawyer is asking for petitions against his client, to enable him prepare his defence. The question is, how many people did he he give that window before they were arrested and interrogated by the EFCC during his reign? Let him dance the music as it’s being placed.
Is it supposed to be friends and acolytes of an indictees to be invited by an investigative panels only ?
At least Justice is on its course, am happy because the one who was shouting Ole ole- is now being accused of same crime. If his lawyer is trying to digress the attention of Nigerian. Let him tell us about his client omission to assets declaration and none remittance of recovery funds, what about none reward of whistle blowers. The SAN OZOKHOME Mike is a true, patriotic, and concerned Nigerian who his out retened the mischievous deeds of Magu Ibrahim and cohorts. God’s watching.