BEVERLY HILLS, AUGUST 26, (THEWILL) – The acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr Ibrahim Magu, has conducted reporters round the EFCC cells and clinics, explaining that that the commission does not torture suspects because it is investigating non-violence crimes.
On Thursday, the interrogation rooms and cells of the anti-graft agency were yesterday thrown open for reporters to inspect as Magu took reporters round for about an hour, challenging Nigerians or organisations to feel free to go and inspect any EFCC detention facility in all parts of the country without notice.
While asserting that the commission had always put the interest of the country above any other consideration, he said: “I am telling you that our detention facility is one of the best in this country. I will be modest to say it is the best. You can look at the comfort we have provided for suspects, including state of the art toilet facilities.
“If you have any doubt, you can walk in to inspect our detention facility in Abuja or in any of our zonal offices at any time and without notice. We have nothing to hide at all.
“We did not tell all these suspects that you were coming for inspection, we wanted you to meet them in a natural state and form your opinion.
“We don’t torture people or suspects. Our kind of investigation is non-violence crime; we have no basis to torture people.
“We investigate financial crimes in line with international best practices. If the EFCC invites you, we must have done a lot of background check and all we will ask you is to corroborate our findings.
“After conducting the initial part of our investigation, we make sure we give bail to suspects. It is now left to these suspects to meet the conditions attached to the bail.”
During the inspection, some of the inmates were reading newspapers, observing afternoon prayers inside a cell which has been designated as a mosque, while others were just on siesta break. The cells and trash cans were filled with empty bottles of water provided by the commission.
The EFCC boss, who pointed out that the commission was not opposed to criticisms, said: “I am happy that every action or inaction of this commission is subjected to interpretation and criticisms. These criticisms will give us room to improve.
“We are all human beings, we are not perfect. There is no perfection in what we do. We have changed; we are still trying to change.
“We work for the interest of this country and the interest of this country is above any other interest or person.”
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