- Atiku’s spokesperson urges Tinubu’s intervention in suspended EFCC Chairman Bawa’s case, expressing concerns over pattern of treatment
- Bwala appeals for Bawa’s release, questioning arrest pattern affecting EFCC’s credibility while suspects hold positions of power
Daniel Bwala, the spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, has asked President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the case of Abdulrasheed Bawa, the suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Bawa was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) on June 14, just hours after the President had suspended him.
In a statement announcing Bawa’s suspension, Willie Bassey, Director of Information, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, cited “weighty allegations of abuse of office levelled against him” as the reason for the President’s decision.
Since his arrest, the secret police have been tight-lipped about the specific offences for which Bawa was arrested, the scope of the investigation, and whether or not charges would be filed against him in court.
According to a statement issued by DSS spokesperson Peter Afunanya shortly after Bawa’s suspension on June 14, the embattled EFCC chair arrived at the DSS facility in response to an invitation.
The Department of State Services has invited Abdulrasheed Bawa, the suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. Bawa arrived a few hours ago. The invitation relates to some investigative activities concerning him, the DSS spokesman had said.
Bwala, in a tweet on Sunday, said Bawa should be released because he didn’t attempt to overthrow the government.
He raised concerns about the pattern of arresting, detaining and humiliating the anti-graft boss.
I appeal to Mr President to intervene in the case involving Abdulrasheed Bwala, the EFCC Chair. Whatever he is being investigated (for), I believe none involves an attempt to overthrow the government.
This pattern of arresting, detaining and humiliating Anti-graft boss whilst the suspects become ministers and lawmakers will eventually kill the very institution of the EFCC, he tweeted.