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The Nigerian Senate has, for the second time, rejected the confirmation of the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu.

The confirmation of Magu as  chairman of the anti-corruption agency was stalled the first time he appeared before the Senate, following unfavourable reports  against him by the Directorate of State Services (DSS).

An overwhelming majority of the senators, relying once more on reports by the DSS, on Wednesday said no to the confirmation. The Senate said Magu failed the integrity test and should not be relied upon to steer the affairs of Nigeria’s most visible anti-corruption agency.

A letter sent to the Senate on Wednesday by the DSS maintained that Mr. Magu would constitute “a liability to the anti-corruption fight of the present administration.”

The security report  questioned his credibility, citing his more than cordial relationship with Umar Mohammed, a retired air commodore who is alleged to be involved in shady and exploitative deals. It also questioned what it saw as Magu’s lavish lifestyle which included his preference for first class flights in spite of President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive that all public servants should fly economy class.

The nominations of four other members of the EFCC namely Messrs Nasule Moses, Lawan Mamman, Galadanci Imam and Adeleke Rafiu were however confirmed by the Senate with their names forwarded for further security screening.