Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have conducted a search of the Abuja residence and office of the suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa.
Also during the week, the DSS invited Bawa’s close associates in the EFCC for questioning, over alleged mismanagement, misappropriation and diversion of proceeds of sold assets forfeited to the government.
However, spokesperson for the DSS, Dr Peter Afunanya, declined comments of the development.
Bawa, who is currently in the custody of the DSS “Yellow House,” Abuja, is being probed for alleged financial impropriety as EFCC helmsman.
President Bola Tinubu, on June 14, suspended Bawa as EFCC chairman indefinitely, following which the DSS picked him up.
The search on his Gwarinpa home in Abuja was reportedly conducted on Saturday, in the presence of his wife and children.
Another source said that Bawa’s office was also searched on the same day by another set of DSS operatives, after presenting a search warrant.
“DSS operatives stormed the EFCC Headquarters in Jabi on Saturday to search the office of the suspended chairman. But they presented a search warrant. Another set of DSS operatives also searched Bawa’s home in Gwarinpa, and they met his wife and children in the house during the search.
“Bawa’s close associates at the office were also invited for questioning this week, and they’re being probed on allegations of mismanagement, misappropriation, and diversion of proceeds forfeited assets sold under Bawa’s watch,” the source said.
the DSS had obtained an ex parte order to extend Bawa’s detention in their facility, while they continue with their investigation.
A government source, who also pleaded anonymity, however, said the DSS has yet to file charges against the embattled EFCC boss, as investigation is still ongoing.
“The DSS is yet to charge him to court because they’re still carrying out their investigation to get enough evidence to help their case.”
Speaking to one of our correspondents, a government source said the move by the DSS was to deter Bawa from filing lawsuits to challenge his detention.
Spokesperson for the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, could not also be reached for comments.