A civil society group, the Coalition of Activists Against Corruption in Nigeria (CAACIN), has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to clarify the status of investigations involving its former Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa. The group urged the EFCC to take any necessary legal actions if the investigations merit such steps.
In a statement released in Kaduna on Thursday, signed by spokesperson Comrade Ahmed Aliyu, CAACIN also urged the Department of State Services (DSS) to disclose the findings of their investigation into Mr. Bawa’s detention in 2023. The group stressed the importance of public accountability and transparency, emphasizing that Nigerians deserve to know the outcome, especially considering the extended period of Mr. Bawa’s detention.
CAACIN emphasized that its demand does not imply any judgment on Mr. Bawa’s innocence or guilt but calls for transparency and due process to ensure national accountability. The call follows similar concerns raised by the Citizens Forum for Transparency and Integrity (CFTI), which recently urged government agencies to maintain integrity and transparency.
The coalition also recommended that the EFCC review appointments made during Bawa’s leadership to ensure they align with the commission’s anti-corruption and reform goals. They noted that evaluating the influence of past leadership on current operations would be crucial for maintaining institutional credibility.
In closing, CAACIN reiterated its support for President Bola Tinubu’s anti-corruption efforts and encouraged federal agencies to strengthen their frameworks through openness and accountability. Mr. Bawa, who was suspended by President Tinubu in June 2023, was detained by the DSS for over four months, though no formal charges were publicly filed. The coalition concluded by reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law and urged all involved parties to respect due process.
