EFCC will crack $180m Halliburton scam – Magu

Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Mr. Ibrahim Magu, yesterday said the agency will get to the roots of the $180million Halliburton scandal and other outstanding corruption cases.

Magu, who spoke when the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Corruption, Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN) and members visited the commission, said the EFCC is getting back the confidence of the people.

He said: “We are restructuring the operations aspect of the Commission and weeding out the bad eggs. We are also carrying the anti-corruption crusade to the grassroots.”

“The efforts of the agency are yielding results. We are determined to get to the root of major corruption cases in the country, including the Halliburton case.

“We are getting back the confidence we have been lacking.”

He said the EFCC was facing a major problem with regards to accommodation, and there was a need to have an Academy equipped to international standards.

Speaking during the visit, Sagay urged the EFCC not to relent in carrying out its mandate of ridding the country of economic and financial crimes.

A statement by the Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren quoted Sagay as saying:  “The common interest of Nigerians is at stake, because corruption affects everyone, and we have the same objective, therefore you can rely on us to give you support in all ramifications,” he said.

He praised Magu for rejuvenating the activities of the anti-graft agency, Sagay noted that there was still much more to be done.

“The energy you have brought in to the activities of the EFCC since your assumption of office has encouraged us, and we want you to continue to do more,” Sagay added.

Re-echoing the views of Sagay, the committee’s secretary, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, spoke on the importance of securing convictions in cases involving high profile individuals.

“We commend you for your efforts, but there is need to further enhance the good work you are doing by securing convictions in high profile cases,” he said.

Other members of the committee at the meeting are: Prof. Sadiq Isa Radda, Prof. E. Alemika, Prof. Femi Odekunle, Ona Peters, Ola Olukayode, and Olusegun Odesina.