EFCC boss, Bawa appeals court ruling sending him to jail

Abdulrasheed Bawa, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has appealed the court ruling sending him to the Kuje Correctional Centre for contempt.

Justice Chizoba Oji of the Federal Capital Territory High Court had earlier convicted Bawa about his agency’s failure to comply with an earlier order of the court.

In her ruling on Tuesday, Justice Oji held that the anti-graft czar is in contempt of the order of the court made on November 21, 2018, directing the commission to return to an applicant, his Range Rover (super charge) and the sum of N40 million.

The judge also directed the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba to ensure that the order of this court is executed forthwith.

But, Bawa said an appeal had been filed.

42-year-old Bawa who appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption to defend his agency’s budget said the law would take its natural course.

“Well, we have appealed against it, so we will allow the natural course of law to take its effect,” the EFCC boss said.

Bawa stated that the commission requested more funding for its Academy and the agency’s operations which he said requires money.

The EFCC Chief is confident that the 9th National Assembly, which he described as purposeful, would heed the request.