Ibrahim Magu, a former interim Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, is actually receiving half salary months after his suspension, according to reports.

According to a Punch story, Magu will be paid half-salary while on probation, in accordance with public service norms, awaiting the outcome of his case.

Remember that President Muhammadu Buhari dismissed Magu on July 10, 2020, after the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, accused him of disobeying orders and corruption.

Following that, Buhari established a presidential panel led by Justice Ayo Salami to investigate the charges against the police commissioner.

The Permanent Secretary may place a public officer facing a serious case that could result in dismissal on suspension, according to the Public Service Rules (PSR).

The rule reads, “Interdiction: when a serious case that may lead to dismissal has been instituted against an officer, the Permanent Secretary may interdict and place him on half-pay pending the determination of the suspension.

“When disciplinary proceeding for a criminal case has been instituted or is about to be instituted against an officer, he shall be suspended from office without salary pending the determination of the case.”

Due to the delay in implementing the Salami panel recommendation, Magu was passed up for promotion to Assistant Inspector-General of Police, raising doubts about the Federal Government’s ostensibly committed dedication to public service accountability and the anti-graft battle.

Last month, the Minister of Police Affairs, Muhammad Dingyadi, revealed that no additional communication has been received to the ministry or the Nigeria Police Force since the Salami report was delivered to the President.

He said, “What I know is that the matter (report) has been submitted to Mr President and as far as I know, no communication has yet been submitted to the ministry or police force on this matter. So, we are waiting for the final outcome to be made public.”

Tosin Ojaomo, while speaking on the predicament of his client said, the case was a reflection of the injustice in the country.

“When I learnt of Magu’s replacement, the question I posed to the government was where is the report of Justice Ayo Salami? I also inquired where is the white paper issued thereon? Till today, we are still waiting for the answer,” he told PUNCH.

“I participated in the proceedings of the panel and I saw how most of the allegations levelled against the EFCC boss fell flat during the hearings.

“The issue is even not about the individual involved but the institution and our country; where the law provides for the mode of carrying out a task, it is mandatory things must be carried out in accordance with the law.”

Ojaomo further stated that “nobody is saying Magu cannot be replaced but the question is; was justice done to the man and others? Those who are holding the mantle of authority today should fear more because they have also created an avenue for any person coming after them to use the same means for vengeance.”