Ex-EFCC Head, Bawa, Now Free from DSS Detention

Abdulrasheed Bawa, the former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), has been released from Department of State Service (DSS) detention after being held for over 134 days. The ex-EFCC head’s release is shrouded in mystery, with the circumstances of his sudden freedom remaining unclear.

Bawa’s release came barely a week after the Senate’s confirmation of Ola Olukoyede as the new substantive Chairman of the anti-graft agency. Videos that emerged on social media late Wednesday night depicted moments of joy and wild jubilations as Bawa was warmly welcomed by his family upon his return.

The journey leading to Bawa’s detention started when President Bola Tinubu approved his indefinite suspension as the EFCC Chairman on June 14. The suspension was to pave the way for thorough investigations into allegations of abuse of office during Bawa’s tenure. Notably, key stakeholders in the anti-corruption fight had raised serious concerns regarding Bawa’s conduct while helming the EFCC.

These allegations were grave, with claims pointing to financial impropriety during Bawa’s active years in the agency. Consequently, he was arrested and detained by the DSS for further probing into these charges.

Interestingly, despite the seriousness of the accusations and the lengthy detention, there were consistent reports that Bawa declined legal representation. The former EFCC Chairman opted not to engage a lawyer to handle his case during his four-month ordeal with the secret police.

With his release, many questions remain, particularly regarding the outcome of the investigations and what the future holds for the embattled ex-EFCC head, Bawa.

DSS verifies the release of the ex-EFCC chief.

Earlier today, the DSS, via its Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Peter Afunanya, verified the release of Bawa on Wednesday, October 25, 2023. Afunanya made the announcement on the official X (previously known as Twitter) account of the DSS, confirming that Abdulrasheed Bawa, the former EFCC chairman, was indeed released earlier in the day.