In a recent development, agents from the Department of State Services (DSS) have conducted a search of the home and office belonging to Abdulrasheed Bawa, the suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
This action comes in the wake of serious allegations regarding mismanagement, misappropriation, and diversion of proceeds from the sale of forfeited assets.
Following his suspension by President Bola Tinubu on June 14, Bawa was taken into custody by the DSS in Abuja for further investigation into the alleged financial impropriety that occurred during his tenure as the EFCC chairman.
According to reliable sources who spoke to Punch, the search of Bawa’s residence in Gwarinpa, Abuja, was carried out in the presence of his wife and children. The DSS agents, armed with a search warrant, meticulously combed through the premises in their quest for evidence related to the allegations.
Simultaneously, the DSS agents also conducted a thorough search of Bawa’s office on the same day. The warrant provided by the DSS covered both locations, indicating a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
The allegations against Bawa, including mismanagement, misappropriation, and diversion of funds, have raised serious concerns about the integrity of his tenure as the EFCC chairman. These accusations prompted the suspension of his position indefinitely by President Tinubu.
The source stated, “DSS operatives stormed the EFCC Headquarters in Jabi on Saturday to search the office of the suspended chairman. But they presented a search warrant. Another set of DSS operatives also searched Bawa’s home in Gwarinpa, and they met his wife and children in the house during the search.
“Bawa’s close associates at the office were also invited for questioning this week, and they’re being probed on allegations of mismanagement, misappropriation, and diversion of proceeds forfeited assets sold under Bawa’s watch.”
However, an anonymous government source indicated that the DSS has not yet pressed charges against Bawa, as their investigation is ongoing.
“The DSS is yet to charge him to court because they’re still carrying out their investigation,” the source said.
Meanwhile, News About Nigeria confirms that the DSS has obtained an ex parte order to extend Bawa’s detention in their facility as they continued the investigation.
A government source also suggested that this directive by the DSS is to deter Bawa from challenging his detention in court.
