Presidency Empowers Justice Salami As Panel Eyes Diezani, MDAs, Others

Justice Isa Ayo Salami led Presidential Investigative Committee on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been empowered with judicial powers, Brandnewsday reports.

According to The Nation, the panel will operate in line with Section 1 of the Tribunals Inquiry Act (CAP T21, LFN, 2004).

A report is expected to be submitted in 45 days as the presidency has also approved public sittings.

Meanwhile, the prominent personality that is currently under probe is the suspended EFCC Acting Chairman Ibrahim Magu.

Also, the panel will now proceed with the investigation of cases including the one involving former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke.

Justice Ayo Salami

Furthermore, the $9.6billion judgment against Nigeria by Process and Industrial Developments (P&ID); complaints by the UK National Crime Agency (NCA) in London; among others.

Furthermore, the panel will look into controversial activities of ministries, departments and agencies.

READ: EFCC: Ibrahim Magu Speaks On Receiving ‘N550b Missing Interest’

Such actions include alleged non-compliance with presidential and ministerial directives; non-compliance with court orders; and non-compliance with procurement and financial management laws.

However, a former EFCC Secretary, Emmanuel Adegboyega Aremo, has appeared before the panel.

Aremo stated that while in office between 2013 and 2018, no asset/forfeited
property was sold.

He explained that only a building was released to the Voice of Nigeria (VON) and that rent was paid to the agency.