The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has stated that the arrest and continued detention of its former Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, has not hindered the agency’s efforts in carrying out its anti-corruption duties. The EFCC’s spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, communicated this information in an exclusive telephone interview.
Abdulrasheed Bawa was arrested in June and has been held by the Department of State Services (DSS) for 75 days. Despite his absence, the EFCC maintains that it continues to investigate both high-profile and low-profile individuals suspected of engaging in corrupt practices.
During Bawa’s tenure as the EFCC Chairman, the agency was reportedly investigating several high-profile individuals, including former and incumbent governors and ministers. Some of these individuals include Bello Matawalle, Yahaya Bello, and Kayode Fayemi. The commission had disclosed various ongoing probes involving these individuals, including allegations of contract fraud, property ownership, and misappropriation of funds.
It remains to be seen how Bawa’s arrest and the subsequent leadership changes within the EFCC will impact the ongoing investigations and the agency’s overall operations.