Ex-CBN Deputy Governor Knocks DSS For Arresting, Detaining Former EFCC Boss, Bawa

A former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Kingsley Moghalu, has knocked the Department of State Services (DSS) for arresting and detaining the ex-chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, without charging him to court.

Moghalu, a former presidential candidate, faulted the DSS for detaining Bawa without charging him to court or offering an explanation on why he was detained in the first place.

Recall that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu suspended Bawa on June 14th and replaced him with Abdulkarim Chukkol, who was appointed to act in his capacity as chairman.

Tinubu later appointed Ola Olukoyede as the substantive chairman of the anti-graft agency, which the Senate confirmed.

Immediately after his suspension, the DSS arrested Bawa and kept him in their custody for 134 days before he was released without an explanation.

Shortly after his release, the spokesman of the DSS confirmed the release in a terse statement, giving no reasons for the release. “DSS confirms release of former EFCC chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, a few hours ago (today, 25th October 2023),” it said.

Reacting in a post on his X, formerly called Twitter, Moghalu said: “One day in late 2022, I received a phone call while I was in the United States. I did not recognize the number. It turned out to be Abdulrashid Bawa, then the Chairman of EFCC. I was naturally curious why the head of EFCC would be calling me. “Good afternoon, Sir”, he said, and introduced himself. “My name is Abdulrashid Bawa, Chairman of EFCC. I have just read the report of your think tank (@igetafrica) titled “Nigeria’s Poverty Trap – And How to End It.” Thank you for what you do for our country.” Surprised, I thanked him, and we ended the conversation

“I was therefore disappointed and sad when Bawa was removed, arrested, and detained for several months without charges or trial. To the extent he has now been released, we have no knowledge of why he was arrested in the first place or if he was guilty or innocent of any allegation against him.

“But it should not happen in a country that claims to respect the rule of law that a citizen can be held for so long without any real or clear charges. That’s impunity. Nigeria’s institutions have been destroyed, and what we see is impunity all over. Bad.”