Nigeria’s former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, who has been detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) since June, is facing increasing scrutiny and pressure as sources reveal the alleged recovery of over N580 million that he acquired during his tenure as the EFCC’s head.
Bawa’s detention comes in the wake of his suspension by President Bola Tinubu, who cited “weighty allegations of abuse of office” as the reason behind the indefinite suspension. The DSS took custody of Bawa shortly after his suspension, and he has remained in detention since then.
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has threatened to take legal action against President Tinubu’s administration for the continued detention of Bawa without formal charges. Additionally, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has criticized the administration for holding both Bawa and the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, without trial.
Sources within the DSS have informed SaharaReporters about the recovery of over N580 million from Bawa, adding to the mounting pressure on the DSS to either release him or bring formal charges against him.
In June, SaharaReporters had reported that Bawa was transferred from DSS headquarters to a private facility to maintain control over him after he refused to provide any statements while in custody. Bawa maintained that the DSS had no right to detain him without pressing charges, leading to his refusal to cooperate.
The situation further escalated with allegations that Bawa had shielded former Governor of Zamfara, Abdulaziz Yari, while assisting him in pursuing his political opponents. Throughout his detention, Bawa has steadfastly declined to collaborate with DSS investigators, intensifying the scrutiny surrounding his case.
The case of the detained ex-EFCC chairman remains a significant concern, as calls for transparency, accountability, and adherence to legal processes grow louder.