The Department of State Services (DSS) has released the immediate past Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa.
Dr Peter Afunanya, DSS Spokesperson confirmed the release of Bawa on Wednesday.
“DSS confirms release of former EFCC chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, a few hours ago (25th October, 2023).”
Already, a video of Bawa being welcomed by his wives and children has since gone viral.
Sources confirmed that pressure was mounted on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by top Northern leaders before he succumbed and ordered the release of the former EFCC chairman.
“Indeed, he was released today after much pressure from who is who in the society. It is not yet clear under the terms of his release but the most important thing is that he has rejoined his young family,” a source noted.
But another source said he was released after the DSS concluded their investigations.
Bawa’s house and office in Abuja were earlier ransacked by the operatives of DSS. He has been in custody since June when President Tinubu suspended him from office. It was later learned that he signed his letter of resignation while in detention.
Willie Bassey, Director of Information at the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, had said Bawa was suspended as a result of weighty allegations of abuse of office levelled against him.
Former Governor of Zamfara State and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, had accused Bawa of demanding $2 million bribe from him, an allegation which he denied.
Bassey had said suspension was to allow for proper investigation into his conduct while in office.