By Onyewuchi Ojinnaka
President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria has appointed Abdulrasheed Bawa as substantive chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Prior to the new appointment on Tuesday February 16, 2021, Bawa was the acting chairman of the commission
following the suspension of former acting chairman, Mr Ibrahim Magu.
His nomination by Buhari was contained in a letter to the President of the Senate, Dr Ahmad Lawan, requesting the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly to screen and confirm Bawa for the position.
In a statement issued in respect of Bawa’s nomination, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, explained that President Buhari was acting in accordance with Paragraph 2(3) of Part1, CAP E1 of EFCC Act 2004.
“President Muhammadu Buhari has asked the Senate to confirm Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa as the substantive chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In a letter to President of the Senate, Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, the President said, “I am acting in accordance with Paragraph 2(3) of Part1, CAP E1 of EFCC Act 2004.
“Bawa, 40, is a trained EFCC investigator with vast experience in the investigation and prosecution of Advance Fee Fraud cases, official corruption, bank fraud, money laundering, and other economic crimes.
“He has undergone several specialized trainings in different parts of the world, and was one of the pioneer EFCC Cadet Officers in 2005.
“Bawa holds a B.Sc degree in Economics, and Masters in International Affairs and Diplomacy.”
Recall that President Buhari had last year suspended the acting chairman of the anti-graft agency, Ibrahim Magu, over corruption allegations.
A panel headed by former president of Court of Appeal, retired Justice Ayo Salami was set up to investigate corruption allegations against Magu.
One of the panel’s recommendations was to sack Magu and prosecute him on corruption charges.