The suspended acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Ibrahim Magu has regained his freedom after 10 days in police detention.
Mr Magu was released on Wednesday. He was arrested on July 6, 2020 and brought to face allegations of corruption before a panel headed by former Court of Appeal president Justice Ayo Salami.
Magu is accused of being unable to account for the interest accrued to recovered funds of about N550 billion.
He is also accused of insubordination and purchase of property in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Speaking about his travails while in detention, the embattled EFCC Boss asked Nigerians not to give up on the fight against corruption.
He said whether he is the chairman of EFCC or not, “Nigerians must own the war against corruption, which President Muhammadu Buhari is determined to eradicate.”
He said what he went through was “one of those risks of the job.”
He said all the allegations flying around were to tarnish his image and that of EFCC.
Magu, in an interview with THE NATION, said: “As for me, I will forever wage war against corruption. I urge Nigerians to continue to support the fight against corruption.
“They should not give up on the fight because corruption kills a nation faster than any other thing.
“It is not a personal fight. Whether I am EFCC Chairman or not, the anti-corruption war must continue.
“What I have gone through is a case of dog eats dog but I see it as one of those risks of the job. But we must not give up in any way.
On the allegations against him, he said: “They are nonsense. They are mere trump up allegations to tarnish my image and that of the EFCC. I did not steal or divert or convert funds to private use. I read the allegations and I was shocked.
“I thank Nigerians for their support, they should not be discouraged. I am happy to be back, I believe the war against corruption is winnable.”
