Magu challenges Salami panel to provide evidence of corruption against him

This was contained in a letter to the presidential panel investigating the former EFCC Chairman, written by Wahab Shittu, Magu’s counsel, who asked the committee to summon the AGF to prove the corruption allegations he accused his client of.

It would be useful to recall that the Malami led panel which was mandated to investigate the former EFCC boss recommended his removal over allegations of corruption in a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari.

The panel accused Magu of “not acting in the overall best interest of the country and the policies of this administration due to its mismanagement and lack of transparency in managing recovered assets” among other allegations.

All through the course of his probe, Magu, mouth-pieced by his counsel, has often cried foul over the “unfair manner” with which the panel, headed by Ayo Salami, has handled its investigation.

In a letter dated September 4, Shittu held that providing evidence of the allegations against his client is a necessary index to credibility and fair hearing.

READ ALSO: Aisha Buhari attacks Daily Trust over lampoon of daughter’s wedding

“We believe that consistent with the fundamental principles of fair hearing as guaranteed under Section 36 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, our client is entitled to be confronted with copies of allegations against him as well as the opportunity to confront his main accuser (in this case, the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation) to enable our client raise issues concerning the allegations and cross-examine the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation on the substance and credibility of his allegations against our client,” he said.Advertisement

“We hereby apply for the issuance of a Subpoena Ad Testificandum and Subpoena Duces Tecum on the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN) to appear before this Judicial Commission of Inquiry to give evidence concerning his memo to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari (regarding Magu).”

Wahab also demanded for the panel to recall witnesses who appeared and testified against his client who was not allowed to participate in its proceedings for cross-examination.

“Based on the foregoing, our client is entitled to participate in the entirety of the proceedings including afforded the opportunity to cross-examine all witnesses in these proceedings,” he said.

“We will also humbly request for guidance on specific procedure, schedule and timeline earmarked for the defence to enable our client adequately prepare and call relevant and material witnesses/documentary evidence ahead of his defence in the proceedings.”