A coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs) on Tuesday called for the removal of Abdulrasheed Bawa, chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), over alleged corruption.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition at a joint news conference in Lagos on Tuesday, Debo Adnilan, president of the Center for Anti-Corruption and Public Leadership, accused Bawa of politicizing the commission, disobeying court orders and violating rights.
He urged Police Inspector-General Usman Baba-Alkali to arrest and prosecute the EFCC chairman.
Adniland said: “Considering his status as a convicted officer, Mr Bawa did not act honorably and step aside, but continued to act as if Nigerian laws were made differently for different Nigerians.
“He continues to turn to the courts to secure convictions in the alleged criminal cases, even though he remains in contempt of the same court.
Also read: EFCC Appellate Court verdict jails Bawa
“As far as we know, the sentencing of the EFCC chairman to Kuje prison for contempt of court has not been overturned by any high court in the country.
“Our position therefore remains that the existing court orders must be complied with before Mr Bawa can consider taking any further action.”
Additionally, Olufemi Lawson, executive director of the Center for Public Accountability, said:
“Recall that at the coalition’s last town hall meeting, we passed a seven-day ultimatum to the Inspector-General of Police to implement the court order and ensure Mr Bawa’s arrest as ordered.
“Today, we are here to reiterate that, as directed by the court, it is the duty of the Inspector-General of Police to hand over Mr Bawa to ensure that he serves his sentence.
“Mr. Bawa must abdicate until he clears himself of contempt as ordered by the High Court.”
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