Ex-EFCC chair, Bawa Regains Freedom as DSS Ends His Over 100-Day Detention

Former EFCC Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, has been released from Department of State Services (DSS) custody after more than 100 days.

This development was confirmed in a statement by the DSS on October 25, 2023.

Bawa’s release was met with relief as it marked the end of his extended period of confinement.

A video circulated on social media, capturing the warm welcome he received from his wives and children upon his return to freedom.

His troubles began when President Bola Tinubu suspended him from his position as the chairman of the anti-graft agency due to serious allegations of abuse of office reported by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

Willie Bassey, the Director of Information at the SGF office, explained that this suspension was deemed necessary to facilitate a thorough investigation into the allegations.

Amid this tumultuous period, Bello Matawalle, a former Governor of Zamfara State, accused Bawa of attempting to extort a $2 million bribe from him.

Bawa denied these allegations, leading to a whirlwind of controversy surrounding his tenure as EFCC chairman.

In response to Bawa’s suspension, President Tinubu appointed Abdulkarim Chukkol, the Commission’s Director of Operations, as the acting chairman of the EFCC.

Subsequently, on October 12, he appointed Ola Olukoyede as the new head of the agency.

Olukoyede’s appointment was set for a renewable term of four years, as announced by presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale.

This leadership transition occurred shortly after Bawa’s resignation and was followed by Olukoyede’s confirmation, ushering in a new chapter for the EFCC.