After Over 4 Months, SSS Frees Ex-EFCC Boss Bawa
The Department of State Service (EFCC) yesterday, confirmed the release of former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, after 134 days.
A brief statement issued last night by Spokesman of DSS, Dr Peter Afunanya, said the former EFCC boss was released by the security agency.
“DSS confirms release of former EFCC chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, a few hours ago (today 25th October, 2023)”, it said.
A video showing former EFCC Chairman Abdulrasheed Bawa being welcomed by his family after his release from DSS custody has gone viral.
Sources familiar with the development told our correspondent that top former and serving government officials had pleaded with the President to order the DSS to release Bawa, who was detained for over 4 months after his suspension over alleged abuse of office.
One source said Bawa was released after much pressure from influential figures in society. Another source stated he was freed after the DSS concluded their investigations with him.
Bawa’s residence and EFCC office were previously raided by DSS operatives before he was taken into custody where he also spent his last Eid holiday.
Bawa was arrested on June 14, hours after his suspension by President Bola Tinubu.
The Director of Information, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, (SGF), Willie Bassey, in a statement announcing Bawa’s suspension, cited “weighty allegations of abuse of office levelled against him” as the reason for the president’s decision.
Since his arrest, the DSS has kept mum on the specific offences for which Bawa was arrested, the level of investigation and whether charges would be filed against him in court.
Human rights groups and lawyers protested his long detention without trial.
A statement by the DSS spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, shortly after Bawa’s suspension on June 14, said the embattled EFCC chair arrived at the facility of the DSS in response to an invitation.
“The Department of State Services has invited Abdulrasheed Bawa, the suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. Bawa arrived a few hours ago. The invitation relates to some investigative activities concerning him,” the DSS spokesman had said.
