President Muhammadu Buhari has suspended the acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu.
A presidential panel headed by Justice Ayo Salami was set up earlier to probe the various allegations leveled against the EFCC boss.
In 2017, Magu was accused of extorting money through a proxy from suspects. The EFCC boss was also accused of living in a house paid for by a notorious fraudster.
The Justice Ayo Salami- led panel grilled him for several hours on Monday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja before he was taken into police custody.
A top police source who confirmed the development explained that Magu was asked to step aside in order not to jeopardize the investigation.
He said the outcome of the investigation will determine whether or not he would continue in office as the EFCC Chair.
The president’s media office is yet to issue an official statement on the suspension.