EFCC Chairman Bawa Suspended by President Tinubu over Alleged Misconduct

Patrick OdeyJune 14, 2023

2 minutes read

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was sworn in as Nigeria’s 16th president in May 2023, has ordered the indefinite suspension of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), AbdulRasheed Bawa.

Newsflash Nigeria reports that the suspension comes after an investigation was launched into Bawa’s conduct while in office. Bawa has been accused of abusing his office and engaging in corrupt practices.

The President directed Bawa to immediately hand over the affairs of his office to the Director of Operations in the Commission, who will oversee the affairs of the Office of the Chairman of the Commission pending the conclusion of the investigation.

Bawa’s suspension, according to a statement by Willie Basse, the Director of Information in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), is to allow for proper investigation into his conduct while in office.

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The statement reads, “This follows weighty allegations of abuse of office levelled against him.

“Mr Bawa has been directed to immediately hand over the affairs of his office to the Director, Operations in the Commission, who will oversee the affairs of the Office of the Chairman of the Commission pending the conclusion of the investigation.”

Bawa was appointed as the EFCC Chairman by Former President Muhammadu Buhari in February 2021. He is the youngest person to ever head the anti-graft agency. He has been involved in several high-profile cases, including those involving former governors, ministers and senators.

However, he has also faced criticism and controversy over some of his actions and statements. He has been accused of being loyal to President Tinubu and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and of targeting opposition figures and critics.

He has also been accused of lying about his academic qualifications and health status. He claimed to have a degree in Economics from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, but some reports suggest that he only has a diploma. He also claimed to have collapsed due to dehydration during a function in Abuja, but some reports suggest that he fainted due to an undisclosed illness.

Bawa has denied all the allegations against him and said that he is committed to fighting corruption and upholding the rule of law. He has also said that he is ready to face any investigation or probe into his conduct while in office.