The Court of Appeal in Abuja has set aside a previous Federal High Court ruling that validated Ibrahim Magu’s extended service as the acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The appellate court’s decision follows an appeal by Abuja-based lawyer and activist Johnmary Jideobi. He challenged Magu’s prolonged acting tenure after the Senate twice rejected his nomination for a substantive appointment.
Background of the Case
-
The Origin: Jideobi filed the initial suit in March 2017, arguing that Magu could not occupy the acting role indefinitely following his rejection by the Senate.
-
The 2019 High Court Ruling: Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu dismissed the suit, ruling that the EFCC Establishment Act contained a gap regarding the time limit for an acting chairperson, leaving the duration to presidential discretion.
-
The Appeal: Dissatisfied, Jideobi argued that keeping Magu in office violated statutory limits and that the acting appointment legally terminated once the Senate rejected his nomination.
Subsequent Developments
Magu’s tenure as acting chairman ultimately concluded in July 2020 following his suspension by former President Muhammadu Buhari over misconduct allegations, which Magu denied before an investigative panel.
Following his exit, Mohammed Umar Abba temporarily took over before Abdulrasheed Bawa was appointed as substantive chairman in February 2021. Bawa was later suspended in June 2023 by President Bola Tinubu, leading to the appointment of the current substantive chairman, Ola Olukoyede.
