By Daniel Edu
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has asserted that the arrest and continued detention of its former Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, has not hindered the agency’s ability to carry out its mandated tasks or pursue investigations into corruption allegations involving individuals both of high and low status.
In an exclusive telephone interview with our correspondent, Wilson Uwujaren, the spokesperson for the EFCC, communicated this message on Saturday.
Notably, Bawa has been confined for 75 days in the custody of the Department of State Service (DSS) since his apprehension in June. Despite this, the EFCC maintains that it has not refrained from its responsibility to probe individuals suspected of corruption, including prominent figures like former and current governors and ministers.
Among those being investigated were Bello Matawalle, Yahaya Bello, and Kayode Fayemi. These individuals were subjects of investigation by the EFCC prior to the appointment of the acting EFCC Chairman, Abdulkarim Chukkol.
During Bawa’s tenure in May 2023, the EFCC announced an investigation into Matawalle involving an alleged N70 billion contract fraud. Earlier, the commission had disclosed its inquiry into Yahaya Bello and certain family members regarding 14 properties and N400 million believed to be proceeds of corruption. Furthermore, Mr. Fayemi was invited by the commission for questioning about an alleged misappropriation of N4 billion.
The EFCC’s declaration underscores its commitment to carrying out its responsibilities regardless of leadership changes and challenges within the organization.
