A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs), yesterday, demanded transparency in the handling of suspension and continued detention of erstwhile chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), AbdulRasheed Bawa.

The groups include: Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), Procurement Observation and Advocacy Initiative, Civil Society Legislative and Advocacy Centre and Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice.

Bawa, who previously led the anti-graft agency’s operations, was arrested by Department of State Services (DSS) operatives on June 14 year for alleged abuse of office.
The CSOs lamented the absence of formal charges or explanations regarding his detention, stating that such development undermines the fundamental principles of justice and due process, which the nation holds dear.

The coalition regretted that the claims emanated from politicians that are close to corridors of power.

Drawing attention to a disconcerting pattern with EFCC’s headship, the groups noted that past chairpersons such as Nuhu Ribadu, Farida Waziri, Ibrahim Lamorde and Ibrahim Magu all faced contentious dismissals from office.

In a statement, the organisations submitted: “The indefinite detention of Bawa without proper trial raises even more serious concerns and is distasteful.”

They insisted that the prolonged detention, devoid of due process, not only damages the credibility of the anti-corruption crusade, but also raises doubt about the motive behind these actions.

The groups argued that the situation sends a wrong message about the nation’s commitment to eradicating corruption.

The coalition added: “It prompts reflection on whether the anti-corruption battle remains effective when those leading the charge are subjected to vague accusations and prolonged incarceration. This incident prompts questions about the impartiality of the justice system and its vulnerability to political influence.”

It, therefore, called for Bawa’s thorough investigation and prosecution in the event of established serious crimes.