DSS refutes reports on arrest of EFCC Magu over fraud allegations

The Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday, July 6, slammed reports which went viral earlier in the day regarding the arrest of Mr Ibrahim Magu; the acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

This was contained in a statement issued by the Service’s Public Relations Officer, Peter Afunanya.

Due to inquiries by various stakeholders, Afunanya explained that the DSS has no connection with the incident.

Afunanya issued the statement after reports emerged that the acting chairman of the anti-graft agency had been arrested by DSS officials in Abuja.

When contacted, Magu’s S.A. on Media, Tony Amokeodo, told the press that Magu was not arrested; but only invited to answer questions regarding some allegations against the agency.

Amokeodo explained that Magu was invited to appear before a Federal Government panel set up to investigate the allegations of corruption levelled against him.

According to him, the panel is sitting at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja; the Federal Capital Territory.

Magu was allegedly quizzed by officials of the DSS over allegations that he owns four expensive properties. Also, he stands accused of allegedly transferring funds abroad through a third party.

In a report, the DSS revealed that Magu was living in a N40m mansion paid for by one Umar Mohammed; a retired air commodore who is allegedly involved in shady deals.

Also, it was detailed that in December 2010, the Police Service Commission (PSC) found Magu guilty of action prejudicial to state security; withholding of EFCC files, sabotage, unauthorised removal of EFCC files and acts unbecoming of a police officer. Consequently, he was awarded a severe reprimand as punishment.

Further, the DSS stated that Magu enlisted “the Federal Capital Development Authority to award a contract to Africa Energy; a company owned by the same Mohammed, to furnish the residence at the cost of N43m”

In one of such trips, the report added that Magu flew to Maiduguri alongside Mohammed with a bank MD who was being investigated by the EFCC.

This is over complicity in funds allegedly stolen by the immediate past petroleum minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke.