Prominent lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mike Ozekhome, has testified against Ibrahim Magu, before the Justice Ayo Salami-led panel.
He also submitted six exhibits, including two video clips and some documents.
The embattled anti-corruption agency boss was arrested on July 6, 2020, over corruption charges and brought before the Justice Ayo Salami-led Presidential panel.
Magu was accused of being unable to account for the interest accrued to recovered funds of about N550billion. He was at the same accused of insubordination and purchase of property in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.
Magu was also accused of not being transparent in managing assets recovered by the commission.
Mike Ozekhome has now appeared before the Justice Ayo Salami-led panel, as he spoke about the alleged leadership failures of Magu and the investigative deficiencies of the anti-graft agency.
Ozekhome, who confirmed his visit to the panel, told The PUNCH that he was invited to make certain recommendations, which he did.
He said his primary aim was not to settle scores with Magu but to address the deficiencies in the EFCC with a view to helping it to actualize its core mandate.
The senior advocate said he submitted six exhibits to the panel, including two videos as well as a letter he wrote to the then acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, on the urgent need for reforms and accountability as regards recovered loot.
Reacting to the development, however, a lawyer to Magu, Mr Tosin Ojaomo, said he was aware of the senior advocate’s visit to the panel.
Ojaomo said it was unfortunate that Ozekhome, who had publicly lambasted the leadership of the EFCC and Magu, could be invited by the panel, while his client had not been given the opportunity to defend himself.
The lawyer said it seemed the panel was on a “fishing expedition” and was seeking to nail Magu at all cost, hence the decision to invite people, who had grievances with the suspended EFCC boss.
Reacting to the development, however, a lawyer to Magu, Mr Tosin Ojaomo, said he was aware of the senior advocate’s visit to the panel.
Ojaomo said it was unfortunate that Ozekhome, who had publicly lambasted the leadership of the EFCC and Magu, could be invited by the panel, while his client had not been given the opportunity to defend himself.
The lawyer said it seemed the panel was on a “fishing expedition” and was seeking to nail Magu at all cost, hence the decision to invite people, who had grievances with the suspended EFCC boss.
