Former EFCC boss, Abdulrasheed Bawa released from DSS detention

Former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, has been released by the Department of State Service (DSS) after spending 134 days in detention.

Bawa was arrested by the DSS in mid-June following his suspension by President Bola Tinubu.

“DSS confirms release of former EFCC chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, a few hours ago (today 25th October, 2023),” DSS said in a statement.

Bawa was joyfully reunited with his family. While the DSS spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, initially stated that Bawa had arrived at the DSS office for an “invitation,” his release was delayed for four months. Afunanya explained that the invitation pertained to investigative activities related to Bawa’s tenure as EFCC chairman.

As of the time of this report, the Presidency and the DSS have not disclosed the outcome of their investigation into Bawa.

Bawa’s removal from office followed a pattern similar to that of previous EFCC heads, including Ibrahim Magu, Ibrahim Lamorde, and Farida Waziri.

President Tinubu appointed Ola Olukoyede as the new EFCC chairman to replace Bawa, and the Nigerian Senate confirmed Olukayode as chairman and Muhammad Hammajoda as the Secretary of the anti-graft agency.