The Coalition of Arewa Civil Society Organisations has called for the resignation of Abdulrasheed Bawa, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), due to corruption allegations against him.

According to the coalition, Bawa’s resignation is necessary to preserve Nigeria’s reputation, as he has faced numerous corruption allegations even before his appointment as the head of the anti-graft agency.

The coalition accuses Bawa of behaving like an autocrat and using his position to intimidate and manipulate individuals, financial institutions, and government agencies, with support from influential figures in power.

They claim that Bawa engaged in nepotism by pressuring the Director-General of NIMASA to sponsor his family members’ education abroad and securing jobs for his relatives in the NCC and EFCC.

Furthermore, the coalition alleges that Bawa engaged in extravagant spending, such as undertaking a lavish trip to Saudi Arabia with family members and staying in a luxurious hotel at a cost of $300,000.

They question how a public servant could afford such extravagance on his salary.

ALSO READ: Governor Matawalle accuses EFCC chairman of requesting $2 million bribe

The coalition also raises concerns about the lack of transparency in the sale of forfeited properties and accuses Bawa of auctioning off confiscated trucks to his associates at ridiculously low prices.

The coalition accuses Bawa of disregarding the rule of law and operating with impunity, citing instances where he was found guilty of contempt by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory and imprisoned for disobeying court orders.

They also accuse him of demanding bribes and prosecuting those who refuse to comply, as allegedly seen in his interactions with the Governor of Zamfara State.

According to the coalition, Bawa has failed to prioritize accountability, transparency, and impartiality in his role. They claim that he selectively investigates and charges individuals, favoring political office holders while targeting online fraudsters.

The coalition even alleges that Bawa ordered the arrest of the president-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, multiple times through the EFCC’s zonal head in Lagos.

The coalition concludes by urging the president-elect to dismiss Bawa if he does not voluntarily resign. They express concern that Bawa’s continued presence will hinder Tinubu’s administration and the fight against corruption, emphasizing that individuals like Bawa cannot be trusted.