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The North Central Citizens Council has noted that the main purpose of the establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as a law enforcement agency that investigates financial crimes, has been eroded “under the inept leadership of Abdulrasheed Bawa.”

The Coordinator, North Central Citizens Council (NCCC), Comrade Mohammed Eneji in a statement said that “the flamboyant lifestyle of Abdulrasheed Bawa have always raised suspicion as to the income of the embattled Chairman.”

While calling for thorough investigation of allegations corrupt practices in the agency, the group noted that “several credible media houses within and outside the country have reported stories about an alleged embezzlement of public funds by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission boss.

“One of the allegations is that the Chairman recently expended a large amount money to the tune of $300,000 for hotels and other activities, which is far and beyond his income as civil servant, during a visit to Mecca with his family on a lesser Hajj.

“Equally, the incident of Abel Isah, an EFCC cadet in Sokoto who was allegedly beaten to death by superior officers for refusing to sign off on incomplete exhibits is still fresh in the minds of Nigerians, Several calls were for the Commission to initiate a thorough investigation into his death, but up to this point, there has been no clear indication by the powers-that -be at the Commission that a probe has begun.

“It stands to reason that there are ulterior motives why the Commission is reluctant to commence an investigation in this most heinous crime. What is the Commission hiding?

“North Central Citizens Council, representing the voice for the masses from the North Central geopolitical zone is calling for the immediate suspension of Bawa and also demanding that the federal government begin a thorough investigation into several allegations against him, especially for the fact that the commission have suffered a lot of set backs as it relates to corruption on previous leadership of Magu, this also shouldn’t be swept under the carpet.

“It is for these reasons that we are calling on the relevant authorities to initiate a proper investigation into Bawa’s spending spree in Saudi Arabia and also his involvement in concealing and/or obstructing the investigation into the death of Abel Isah.

“We are also calling on the Senate Presidency to halt any plans for the confirmation of Bawa as a substantive EFCC Chairman until the conclusion of the investigation, as doing so will send the wrong signal to Nigerians”, the group said.