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Nigeria’s Anti-Corruption Czar, Magu Detained, Security Details Withdrawn

Published

5 years ago

July 7, 2020

The Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, was eventually detained on Monday night after he was grilled by a panel at the Presidential Villa for about eight hours, The Nation is reporting.

The Panel, according to the highly-rated newspaper, is headed by a retired President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Isa Ayo Salami.

Magu was said to have been taken to the Force Headquarters in Abuja by operatives of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, where he requested to be detained inside a cell and not allowed to sleep in one of the offices there as he was offered.

Before then, Magu, who was accosted as he left the EFCC office at about 1:35 pm, had his security details withdrawn.

When the questioning ended at about 10:20 pm, Magu was told he had to go in a Hilux van to the Force Headquarters for him to be detained.

However, after a brief discussion, he was allowed to ride in his official car to the Force Headquarters, where he was detained overnight.

He arrived at the Force Headquarters at about 10:50 pm.

There are indications that the grilling will continue on Tuesday (today).

According to available information, Magu was grilled extensively on the allegations leveled against him by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN).

Malami had raised a cocktail of allegations against Magu in a memo he sent to President Muhammadu Buhari.

He equally recommended those who should replace him.

Some of the allegations against him are:

. Alleged discrepancies in the reconciliation records of the EFCC and the Federal Ministry of Finance on recovered funds

. Declaration of N539billion as recovered funds instead of N504b earlier claimed

. Insubordination to the office of the AGF by not seeking his approval on some decisions

. Not providing enough evidence for the extradition of ex-Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke

. Alleged late action on the investigation of Process and Industrial Development (P&ID) leading to legal dispute

. Not respecting court order to unfreeze an N7 billion judgment in favor of a former Executive Director of First Bank

. Alleged delay in acting on two vessels seized by Nigerian Navy leading to the loss of crude

. Alleged favouring of some investigators called Magu’s Boys

. Reporting some judges to their presiding officers without deferring to the AGF

. Alleged sales of seized assets to cronies, associates, and friends

. Alleged issuance of investigative activities to some media prejudicial to some cases.

Credits| TheNation

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

1 week ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

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