Operatives of the Department of State Services, on Monday, arrested the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Magu.
First News learnt that Magu was arrested on Monday afternoon in Abuja and currently undergoing interrogation at the DSS Headquarters in Aso Drive.
He was said to have been arrested in his Wuse II, Abuja office over allegations of siphoning money recovered from suspected looters by the anti-graft agency.
First News gathered that Magu’s security aides attempted to prevent the arrest of their boss, they eventually succumbed and allowed the DSS operatives to take him away.
Lately, the EFCC chair had been having a running battle with the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, alleged to have recommended his sack to President Muhammadu Buhari.
His arrest is, however, coming barely two weeks after Malami reportedly complained to President Muhammadu Buhari about the EFCC boss’ conduct and advised that he should be removed as the EFCC boss.
Malami, it was learnt had accused Magu of insubordination and discrepancies in the figures of funds recovered by the EFCC.
Malami also allegedly accused the anti-graft agency boss of disposing of assets, especially buildings seized from corrupt politicians and others, without approval, or knowledge of the AGF’s office, the supervisory ministry of the EFCC.
The AGF, it alleged, listed 22 offences committed by Magu, and for which he recommended his sack.
DSS spokesman, Peter Afunanya, was not available for comment on Magu’s arrest.
But spokesman to the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Tony Amikeodo, said Magu was not arrested but invited on trumped up charges.