The recent arrest of Mr. Innocent Chukwuma by the EFCC last week, sparked intense debate on the floor of the Senate and was out rightly condemned by Senators alike. EZREL TABIOWO reports.
Arrest of Innoson Managing Director
Following the unexplained arrest of the Managing Director of Innoson Motors, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) last week, the agency’s boss, Acting Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, came under severe fire on the floor of the Senate.
Recall that the upper chamber had twice rejected his nomination by President Muhammadu Buhari, as substantive chairman of the anti-graft agency. Consequently, Magu’s rejection by the upper chamber created a frosty working relationship between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Senate.
The decision by the Senate to reject Magu’s nomination by the President was anchored on a damning report by the Department of State Security (DSS), which described the latter as “unfit” to lead the anti-graft agency.
In another bid to raise alarm over what the upper chamber had in the past described as one of the “excesses” of the Acting Chairman of the commission, the Senate last week mandated its committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes to investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrest of Innoson Motors’ boss and report back to the upper chamber.
The Red Chamber mandated Senator Chukwuka Utazi-led Anti-Corruption Committee to investigate claims that an EFCC operative slapped the wife of Mr. Chukwuma, during the raid of his house in Enugu. It also called for the immediate and unconditional release of the business.
Mr. Chukwuma was reportedly arrested at his Enugu home last Tuesday, by operatives of EFCC, over his alleged refusal to repay a loan to Guaranty Trust Bank.
Coming under Order 42 of the Senate Standing Rules yesterday, Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, told his colleagues that the arrest of the businessman is a national disgrace and an abuse of his fundamental human rights.
He urged Senators to prevail on the EFCC, to immediately release the man and also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to call Magu to order in the discharge of his duties.
He said the EFCC erred to have to intervene in a civil matter involving a commercial bank and a private citizen. His views got the nod of his colleagues.
Ekweremadu said: “The detention of Innocent Chukwuma, owner of Innoson Motors is the issue. It is purely a civil matter. At the inception of this Senate, we took an oath to defend the constitution. Yesterday (Tuesday), I got a number of messages that a matter between Chukwuma and GT Bank. They (EFCC operatives) came into his compound and he heard gunshots.
“He looked through the window and thought help had come. He had to come out of his hiding. Instead, a policeman arrested him. He asked what his offence was. He was told he will be told when they get to the station. The constitution is clear that no person should be detained more than 24 hours without telling him his offence. As I speak, he is yet to be told of his offence.
“What I gathered is that, he was arrested by the EFCC over certain money he is alleged to owe the GT Bank. Instead of them to settle it, EFCC got involved and arrested him like a common criminal. He was bundled like a criminal. If we allow the EFCC to get involved in things like this, we will be setting a bad precedence. This is a man who has created over 50,000 jobs in a country where there are no jobs.”
Dangerous precedence
Ekweremadu’s position was re-echoed by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe. In his contribution, he said if the Senate fails to act, members may soon become victims. He specifically cited the ongoing investigation and invitation of the immediate-past Senate President, David Mark by the anti-graft agency as an example.
If we are not careful and deal with this issue, we will all fall victim of this issue. It was a principal officer that was invited here. That matter will be brought here later. We do not know what motivates the EFCC. EFCC in its own Twitter handle said they arrested Innoson boss because he did not honour their invitation. The man said he was not invited. Who is lying? EFCC will lie and put you on your head because they have the means.
Abaribe questioned the continuous stay of Magu in office, despite his rejection by the Senate on two occasions. He said Magu is still holding sway because certain people who own Nigeria have vowed that he must remain in office.
Abaribe posited: “The wife of Innoson asked why they were arresting the husband and they slapped her. The facts are there. How can a financial transaction between an individual and the bank get the attention of EFCC? The point is, how can state institutions be used for personal purposes? This is supposed to be a personal transaction which is already in court.
“EFCC is getting involved in self-help. We are not running a Banana Republic. This is because we have a man in EFCC who was not cleared by the Senate. He is still there. This is because some people who own Nigeria have vowed that he must remain there. Maybe they will come after me when I finish speaking. This government must look at how institutions function. Basic rights are basic rights and they must be respected.”
