Operatives of the US Department of State (DSS) have searched the residence and office of suspended Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) boss, Abdulrashed Bawa in Abuja.
Following the search, the DSS also invited Bawa’s close associates to the EFCC for questioning over allegations of mismanagement, embezzlement, and misappropriation of proceeds from the sale of EFCC assets.
Bawa was held custody in the “Yellow House” of the DSS in Abuja and was being investigated for alleged financial malfeasance as a helmsman of the EFCC.
Daily Report Nigeria reports that President Bola Tinubu suspended Bawa indefinitely as EFCC chairman on June 14 and was subsequently arrested by DSS.
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It was understood that the search of his home in Gwalimpa, Abuja on Saturday took place in the presence of his wife and children.
On the same day, another group of DSS agents who served the search warrant also searched Bava’s office, reports said.
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A statement concerning the raid said:
“On Saturday, operatives of the DSS stormed the EFCC headquarters in Jabba to search the office of the suspended chairman. But they served a search warrant. Another team of DSS agents also searched Bawa’s house in Gwarimpa where they encountered his wife and children.
“Close staff in Bava’s office were also called in for questioning this week as they are being investigated over allegations of mismanagement, misappropriation of funds and misappropriation of proceeds from the sale of seized assets under Bava’s watch.”
Sources said the DSS was yet to press charges against the EFCC boss as investigations were still ongoing, a government source said on condition of anonymity.
A source who spoke with newsmen said:
“The DSS has not taken him to court as they are still investigating to gather enough evidence to help their case.”
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EFCC spokesman Wilson Uwuyaren did not respond to reporter’s queries on the development on Wednesday, according to reports.
Meanwhile, the development came after the secret police obtained an ex parte order to extend Bava’s detention at their facility while they continue their investigation.
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