A retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Hakeem Odumosu, has been appointed as the substantive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
President Bola Tinubu approved Hakeem Odumosu’s appointment late Tuesday.
However, the appointment is subject to his confirmation by the Senate.
Earlier on Wednesday, the office of the Secretary to the Government of Federation (SGF) had said in a statement signed by Willie Bassey, Director of Information, said the EFCC boss’ suspension resulted from “weighty allegations of abuse of office levelled against him.”
Without giving details of the allegations against Mr Bawa, the statement said the anti-graft official needed to step aside “to allow for proper investigation into his conduct while in office.”
According to the statement, Mr Bawa has been directed to “immediately hand over the affairs of his office to the Director, Operations in the Commission, who will oversee the affairs of the office of the Chairman of the Commission pending the conclusion of the investigation.”
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The specific allegations that Mr Bawa is being investigated cannot be confirmed yet.
Bawa after the announcement of his suspension honoured the invitation of the Department of State Services (DSS).
However, Bawa, on Monday said that people should feel free and not panic in dealing with the anti-corruption Commission.
He pointed out only the guilty ones are scared of the anti-graft agency.
Bawa encouraged Nigerians to feel free to approach EFCC with all sense of civility.
He noted that anything on the contrary shows guilty conscience.
“We are just doing our job and don’t want people to panic or fear. People should feel free to come to the EFCC with all sense of civility, with all sense of belonging.
“It’s just about finding out the facts and what happened. Just come and explain, so why are you scared or afraid?
“To me, it’s a sign that you are guilty as suspected,” be stated.