THE Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has petitioned the United Nations (UN) over alleged intimidation and harassment of the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ibrahim Magu by the Senate.
In the petition addressed to Mr Michel Forst, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, SERAP alleged that the Senate was working against Magu in concert with other government agencies.
The petition dated December 16 and signed by the Executive Director of SERAP, Mr Adetokunbo Mumuni.
It will be recalled that Senate, on Thursday, rejected Magu’s nomination by President Muhammadu Buhari as the substantive chairman of the EFCC, citing security report as an alibi.
In the said report allegedly prepared by the Department of State Services (DSS) details of which had emerged in a section of the media, Magu is being accused of corruption-related offences.
SERAP questioned the veracity of the “purported report”, noting that the Senate should have known that the report was “baseless and politically motivated to reject Mr Magu’s confirmation.’’
“By relying on a report they knew or ought to know is baseless and politically motivated to reject Magu’s appointment as chairman of the EFCC, the Senate has flagrantly violated his right to a fair hearing.
“The upper legislative chamber is implicitly working to weaken, intimidate, harass and ultimately undermine the independence and freedom of action of the EFCC in its efforts to combat high-profile official corruption,’’ it said.
The group urged Forst to “urgently intervene in the matter to stop further intimidation and harassment of a prominent anti-corruption campaigner and human rights defender.’’
SERAP stated that the action of the Senate and its allies was working to undermine Nigeria’s international obligation to respect, protect, promote and fulfill the human rights of the citizens.
“”The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria relying on a baseless and politically motivated report, declined to confirm the appointment of Ibrahim Magu as substantive chairman of the country’s leading anti-corruption agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
“However, SERAP is aware that this allegation was part of the conspiracy to harass Magu and frustrate his anticorruption work, as he was unjustly detained for three weeks.
“Following investigation by the police authorities in 2008, Magu was subsequently cleared of any wrongdoing, and in fact promoted to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police.
“The report also incorrectly stated Magu currently occupies a residence rented for N40 million at N20 million per annum and paid for by allegedly corrupt person.
“But SERAP’s finding shows that the property was in fact paid for by the Federal Capital Development Administration.”