By Yeni Yusuf
As part of its investigation into the alleged malfeasance of the suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Abdulrasheed Bawa, operatives of the Department of State Services have conducted a search of his Abuja home and office.
Our correspondent gathered that during the week the secret police had also invited Bawa’s close associates in the EFCC for questioning, over alleged mismanagement, misappropriation and diversion of proceeds of sold assets forfeited to the EFCC.
However, when contacted to speak on the development, the spokesperson for the DSS, Dr Peter Afunanya, refused to comment on the investigation.
Bawa, who is being held in the custody of the DSS “Yellow House,” Abuja, is being probed for alleged financial impropriety during his times as EFCC helmsman.
President Bola Tinubu had on June 14 suspended Bawa as EFCC chairman indefinitely, following which the DSS picked him up.
This paper gathered that the search on his Gwarinpa home in Abuja was carried out on Saturday, in the presence of his wife and children.
A source close to the investigation noted that Bawa’s office was also searched on the same day by another set of DSS operatives who presented 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,” he said.
A government source, who also pleaded anonymity, however, said the DSS had yet to file charges against the embattled EFCC boss as investigation was still ongoing.
“The DSS has yet to charge him to court because they’re still carrying out their investigation to get enough evidence to help their case.”
The spokesperson for the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, did not respond to an inquiry by our correspondent on Wednesday over the development.
The New Diplomat learnt that the DSS had obtained an ex parte order to extend Bawa’s detention in their facility, while they continue with their investigation.
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.
