By Abdulrahman Aliagan, Abuja
The embattled chairman of the anti-graft agency, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, has been set free from detention in the late hours of Wednesday.
A close source of the operatives who pleaded to be anonymous told Time Nigeria that Mr Magu has been released to join his family.
It would be recalled that Magu was arrested last week Monday and has been appearing before a presidential panel investigating allegations of corruption and insubordination levelled against him by Abubakar Malami, Nigeria’s justice minister.
Mr Magu and Mr Malami have had repeated disagreements on the anti-corruption war and many Nigerians including a member of a presidential committee on anti-corruption, Femi Odekunle, believe Mr Magu’s ordeal is part of a power play with Mr Malami.
On July 11, President Buhari confirmed the suspension of Mr Magu and the appointment of Muhammed Umar, the EFCC’s director of operations, as interim head of the anti-graft agency pending the conclusion of Mr Magu’s investigation.
Meanwhile, some international anti-corruption groups last week wrote to President Muhammadu Buhari on what they consider the unfortunate treatment of Mr Magu.
The presidency has, however, said that those who see the investigation as a signal that the fight against corruption is failing have failed to see the point.
Garba Shehu, President Buhari’s spokesperson, said the investigative panel set up to probe the series of allegations against Mr Magu was in compliance with the law. He also said the suspension of Mr Magu is proof of the government’s commitment to fighting corruption.
