RECOVERED LOOT: Adeosun downplays request to Magu

Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, has downplayed the request she sent to Ibrahim Magu, acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), over disparities regarding record of recovered loot, saying there was no ulterior motive behind it.

In a letter dated February 9, Adeosun had asked Magu to provide more information on recovered loot, citing conflicting figures.

“This is to notify you of the records of cash asset recoveries in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from May 2015 till date based on information available to the office of the Accountant General of the Federation (attached),” the letter read.

“It has, however, come to the notice of the ministry of finance, the use of recovery figures in media reports by the EFCC that do not reconcile with the records of the ministry.

“You are, therefore, kindly requested to clarify where these cash recoveries have been deposited and provide accompanying evidence.”

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However, in a statement by Oluyinka Akintunde, the minister’s media aide, Adeosun denied reports that there was a rift between her and Magu.

“The minister wishes to state explicitly that the letter dated 9th February 2018, was a standard letter aimed at improving controls over the recovered funds,” the statement read.

“There is no ulterior motive behind the letter as alleged in some media reports but to enable the reconciliation and harmonisation of the figures on recovered funds by the government.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the EFCC has subsequently provided the requested information and reconciliation is ongoing.”

 

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