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EFCC Chairman Bawa Faces Resignation Calls Amid Corruption Allegations

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, January 7th 2026 at 10:25 GMT by legit

Calls for EFCC Chairman Abdulrasheed Bawa to Resign Mount Following Allegations of Corruption & Abuse of Office

Recent weeks have seen growing calls for the resignation of Abdulrasheed Bawa, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Nigeria, stemming from serious allegations of corruption, abuse of office, and disregard for due process. The demands, largely originating from civil society organizations and anti-corruption advocates, center around claims detailed in a petition submitted to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alleging Bawa's involvement in illicit oil deals and the mishandling of recovered assets. This article summarizes the key allegations, the reactions, and the potential implications of this developing situation.

The Core Allegations: Illicit Oil Sales and Asset Mismanagement

The impetus for the calls for Bawa’s resignation stems from a detailed petition submitted to the President by the Advocacy for Integrity and Transparency (AIT). The core of their argument rests on accusations that Bawa has been selling forfeited petroleum products allocated to the EFCC at prices significantly below market value, allegedly diverting the proceeds for personal gain. Specifically, the petition claims that millions of liters of recovered crude oil and automotive gas oil (AGO) were sold through a private company, “North West Petroleum & Gas Company Limited,” at drastically reduced rates, resulting in substantial losses for the Nigerian government.

The AIT alleges this practice has been ongoing for months, and points to discrepancies in official records and a lack of transparency in the process. They accuse Bawa of circumventing established procedures for the disposal of recovered assets, effectively turning the EFCC into a tool for personal enrichment. The petition details specific instances, including alleged sales of petroleum products at prices as low as ₦30 per liter when the prevailing market rate was significantly higher. Furthermore, they claim there's a lack of accountability regarding the funds generated from these sales, raising suspicions of embezzlement.

Following the initial petition, further investigation revealed more specific details about the alleged scheme. A report by The Whistler (linked within the Legit.ng article) detailed how Bawa allegedly instructed the EFCC’s head of operations in Port Harcourt to release confiscated petroleum products to North West Petroleum without proper bidding or documentation. This report cites sources within the EFCC who corroborate the claims and highlight the internal resistance to Bawa’s alleged practices.

Allegations of Abuse of Office and Disregard for Due Process

Beyond the illicit oil sales, the petition also accuses Bawa of abusing his office and disregarding due process in other areas. The AIT alleges that Bawa has been selectively prosecuting individuals based on political considerations, favouring certain parties while ignoring cases involving allies of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This claim touches on longstanding criticisms of the EFCC, which often faces accusations of being used as a tool for political vendettas.

The petition also points to alleged irregularities in the handling of cases involving politically exposed persons (PEPs), alleging that Bawa has deliberately stalled investigations or dropped charges to protect influential figures. This undermines the EFCC’s mandate of fighting corruption impartially and erodes public trust in the agency.

Furthermore, the AIT accuses Bawa of conducting secret investigations without proper authorization and leaking information to the media to tarnish the reputations of individuals under investigation. These actions, they argue, violate established protocols and compromise the integrity of the EFCC’s investigations.

Reactions and Calls for Investigation

The allegations have triggered a wave of reactions from various stakeholders. Civil society organizations, including the Concerned Citizens Collective (CCC), have publicly demanded Bawa's immediate resignation and a thorough, independent investigation into the allegations. They argue that his continued presence in office compromises the integrity of the investigation and undermines public confidence in the EFCC.

Several prominent anti-corruption advocates have echoed these calls, emphasizing the need to protect the reputation of the EFCC and ensure accountability for alleged misconduct. The Coalition Against Corruption and Bad Governance (CACBG) has even called for the establishment of a judicial panel of inquiry to investigate the allegations and bring those responsible to justice.

While President Tinubu has yet to publicly address the allegations, the severity of the claims has put pressure on his administration to take swift and decisive action. There is growing expectation that the President will either order an investigation or request Bawa’s resignation pending the outcome of such an investigation.

Implications and Future Outlook

The allegations against Abdulrasheed Bawa, if proven true, have serious implications for the fight against corruption in Nigeria. They risk further eroding public trust in the EFCC, an agency already plagued by accusations of bias and inefficiency. The scandal could also damage the credibility of the Tinubu administration, particularly given its commitment to tackling corruption as a key priority.

The outcome of this situation will likely set a precedent for accountability within the EFCC and other anti-corruption agencies. A thorough and impartial investigation, followed by appropriate sanctions if the allegations are substantiated, would send a strong signal that corruption will not be tolerated, even at the highest levels.

However, a cover-up or a politically motivated investigation would further deepen public cynicism and undermine the ongoing efforts to combat corruption in Nigeria. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the future of Abdulrasheed Bawa and the integrity of the EFCC. The scrutiny is now firmly fixed on President Tinubu to demonstrate his commitment to transparency and accountability by addressing these serious allegations with the urgency and seriousness they deserve.