The Presidency, has lamented the terrible set back that President Muhamamdu Buhari anti-corruption war has suffered in the last two years, under the embattled Acting Chairman of the Economic And Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu.
Recall, that four high profile corruption-related cases have been lost in the past few days, under Magu’s watch.
First, was the unfreezing on the order of a Federal High Court, Lagos, of the account of Lagos Lawyer, Mike Ozekhome (SAN), which is said to hold a sum of N75 million professional fee, paid to him by Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State.
Next, was the discharge and acquittal of Justice Adeniyi Ademola and his wife, of charges of corruption and possession of firearms filed against them.
The initial forfeiture of a sum of $5m found in an account of former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, was similarly reversed on the order of another court, while the Minister of Niger Delta in the Jonathan administration, Elder Godsday Orubebe, was also discharged and acquitted.
It was gathered that government was shocked by the development, which it perceived as a terrible blow to its anti-corruption crusade.
Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, at the weekend, met with the Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, Mallam Abubakar Malami, and heads of other prosecuting agencies on the situation.
Osinbajo, directed the agencies to henceforth ensure a water-tight prosecution of corruption suspects.
Government sources, stressed that the Buhari administration was disturbed that vital cases were lost on technical grounds to some suspects.
A highly-placed source said: “Losing four or five high profile cases in quick succession, was seen as a setback for the anti-graft war.
“As a Professor of Law of Evidence, Osinbajo had a review session with all the heads of prosecuting agencies on what technically went wrong on some of these cases.
“Although, the government has filed appeal on the rulings of the affected courts, the VP stepped in to arrest the slide.
“The heads of the agencies have been directed to ensure diligent investigation, water-tight prosecution, and place sufficient evidence before the court.
“All constraints affecting the legal team will be addressed accordingly.”
Responding to a question, the source added: “The VP asked the agencies to collaborate among themselves, instead of petty rivalry.
“He also told them to cooperate with the bench on all matters before the court.”
Another top source said: “The Presidency will now take more than a passing interest in all anti-graft cases. There will be effective monitoring and constant review.
“Save the case of former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Godsday Orubebe, the government will file appeal against most of the rulings of the courts on the lost cases.”
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