Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari has nominated AbdulRasheed Bawa as the substantive chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Bawa’s nomination was contained in Buhari’s letter of nomination to the Nigerian Senate for confirmation.
“President Buhari has asked the Senate to confirm Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa as substantive chairman of EFCC,” Presidency tweeted.
Bawa, according to the Presidency is a 40-year-old 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.
The EFCC chairman-nominee has undergone several specialised 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 degree in international affairs and diplomacy.
When confirmed by the Senate, Bawa will replace suspended EFCC chairman Ibrahim Magu who is undergoing trial on alleged diversion of recovered government’s assets.
The Presidency said Magu’s suspension is to “allow for unhindered inquiry” by the panel investigating allegations of corruption during his tenure as EFCC chairman.
Magu, however, denied all allegations against him.
EFCC’s director of operations Mohammed Umar was appointed in acting capacity to take charge and oversee the activities of the commission pending the conclusion of the ongoing investigation of the allegations against Magu.
The panel investigating Magu submitted its report to Buhari since November 2020. The government is yet to disclose findings in the report submitted to the president.
