Bawa’s Conviction On Contempt Charge Is Wrong — EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has faulted the conviction and jailing of its chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, on a contempt charge.

In a statement by its spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, Tuesday night, the commission said its chairman did not disobey any court order as ruled by the court.

The commission described Mr Bawa as an advocate of the rule of law and due process who would not disobey any legitimate court order.

It said the ruling created a wrong impression of the person of the EFCC chairman as encouraging impunity.

“As far as the relationship between the EFCC and the judiciary is concerned, the Executive Chairman, Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa has been an apostle of rule of law, due process, and close collaboration between the two institutions in justice administration.

“As an investigator, and the only Chief Executive of a law enforcement agency who regularly goes to court, the Executive Chairman will not tolerate impunity or disregard any lawful orders of the court.

“Abdulrasheed Bawa, in his capacity as Executive Chairman of the EFCC since March 5, 2022, did not disregard any order of court. For the benefit of the public, the said order of the FCT High Court was given on November 21, 2018, three years before Abdulrasheed became EFCC Chairman. ”

It said this in reaction to a ruling by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja which found Mr Bawa guilty of contempt by violating an earlier order of the court.