Presidency sends Lamorde on terminal leave

THE Presidency last night confirmed removal and replacement of the Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC), Ibrahim Lamorde, with effect from yesterday.

In a two-paragraph statement by the Presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, the Presidency said the former EFCC boss was asked to proceed on a terminal leave preparatory to expiration of his tenure in February next year.

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Mr. Ibrahim Mustafa Magu as the Acting Chairman of the EFCC.

Mr. Magu, who is an Assistant Commissioner of Police, is to take over from Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde who is proceeding on terminal leave ahead of the formal expiration of his tenure in February next year.”
Lamorde has been in spotlight following allegations bordering on diversion of funds recovered from former Bayelsa State governor, Diepreye Alamiesyeigha, and other alleged treasury looters amounting to over N1billion .

He was due to appear before the Senate this week to defend himself against the allegations, but it was not clear last night if the latest development would foreclose his appearance before the upper chamber of the legislature.