By Tayo Joseph, Lagos
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has raised the alarm over a plot by some shadowy interests at the receiving end of the anti corruption efforts of the agency, to frame its Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, by linking the ownership of properties in a number of foreign countries to him. Those behind the plot, which is believed to be part of a grand design to discredit the anti-graft Czar, have allegedly finalized plans to name Magu as the owner of choice properties in exotic locations abroad.
To make the plot believable, the Commission said it has information that the desperate cabal could take their gambit to the ridiculous extent of purchasing properties and registering them in the name of Ibrahim Magu. They are also prepared to sponsor some political hirelings who would come out openly to claim they have information about the property acquisitions.
The objective of the plot is to cast a slur on the unblemished integrity of Magu and expose him to public ridicule
The Commission, however, wishes to alert the public that Magu has no interest in any property whatsoever outside Nigeria. He has neither bought a house anywhere outside Nigeria, nor commissioned any person or corporate body to acquire property in his name or any name remotely linked to him.
The latest plot is coming many months after the Commission similarly raised alarm over plots by some interests to pay humungous sums into Magu’s accounts with a view to releasing the information as evidence he had been compromised.
“These plots will fail. They cannot detract me because I am fully focused on my assignment, which is to fight corruption to a standstill in Nigeria, They can only irritate me but they can’t stop me because all men of goodwill in this country know the sacrifices that we are making to improve the fortunes of our nation. Those who assume that I have properties abroad, can go and claim them”, Magu said.
