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Magu: This Is A Moral Disaster For Buhari – Falana
Gives Reason Why It Would Be Difficult For Him To Defend Magu
By Ayodele Oluwafemi
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), on Wednesday, said the arrest and suspension of the acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was a moral disaster on the anti-corruption drive of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Falana, while speaking on Your View, on TVC, on Wednesday, said it was expected that the person prosecuting others for corruption should not be enmeshed with the same crime.
Magu is being investigated over corruption allegations leveled against him by the Attorney general and minister of justice, Abubakar Malami.
Reacting to the development, Falana said that President Buhari has the right to order the investigation in the wake of petitions alleging corrupt infractions.
“There is no doubt that this is a moral disaster for the anti-corruption crusade of the regime but we also have to appreciate the fact that the head of EFCC must be free from corruption.
“And I believe that Mr. Magu will be given the opportunity to address the allegations. If he is found culpable the law will take it turn, if it is the other way, the law will take it turn.”
The human rights lawyer opined that all the chairmen of the EFCC had left office under one cloud or the other noting that some were accused of corrupt practices, while some were removed on the basis of insubordination.
Falana, however, said that Magu’s case was different because he is being tried by the regime that appointed him into office.
He refused to comment on the substance of the allegations leveled against Magu, stating that it would be breach of Magu’s right to fair hearing because the case is under investigation.
Asked if he would defend Magu if approached, the SAN said:
“I have not been asked but I believe he is entitled to a lawyer.”
But giving reasons why it would be difficult for him to act as Magu’s lawyer, he said:
“I have never taken a case against the EFCC and I have never prosecuted a case for the EFCC because I also want to maintain my own independence so that I can join issues with the EFCC if I believe that it is going outside the provisions of the law.”
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