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DSS Releases Former EFCC Chairman Abdulrasheed Bawa From Custody
A video of his warm welcome by his wives and children quickly went viral.
Abuja Nigeria– The Department of State Services (DSS) has confirmed the release of the former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa.
Bawa had been in DSS custody since June, following his suspension by President Bola Tinubu.
The suspension came amidst serious allegations of abuse of office levelled against him, as announced by Willie Bassey, the Director of Information at the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
It would be recalled that Bawa had faced allegations from the former governor of Zamfara State and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, who accused him of demanding a $2 million bribe, allegations which Bawa vehemently denied.
The suspension, according to Bassey, was intended to provide a platform for a thorough investigation into Bawa’s conduct during his tenure as the head of the EFCC.
Peter Afunanya, the DSS spokesman, confirmed Bawa’s release on Wednesday, stating, “DSS confirms the release of former EFCC chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, a few hours ago (today, 25th October, 2023).”
Following Bawa’s release, a video of his warm welcome by his wives and children quickly went viral.
Sources familiar with the situation revealed that high-profile former and current government officials had exerted pressure on the President to order the DSS to release Bawa.
One anonymous security source stated, “Yes, he was released today after much pressure from who is who in the society.”
Another source indicated that the release came after the secret police had concluded their investigations with Bawa.