The suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, has now spent 67 days in detention under the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja without acquiring legal representation, according to sources who spoke to Punch.

Bawa is being investigated for alleged financial impropriety during his tenure as head of the anti-graft agency. He has reportedly refused to answer questions or provide written statements to DSS operatives interrogating him. Sources say he has not requested bail or release from detention.

In June, DSS agents searched Bawa’s home in Abuja in the presence of his wife and children. They also searched his office at the EFCC headquarters with a warrant. Several of Bawa’s close associates at the EFCC were also brought in for questioning about the allegations.

The DSS obtained court orders extending Bawa’s detention beyond the 48 hours constitutionally allowed in order to continue their investigation. Sources reveal the allegations include misappropriation of proceeds from the sale of assets seized by the EFCC.

In 2019, Bawa was arrested for allegedly selling 244 trucks worth N4.8 billion seized by the Port Harcourt zonal office to his cronies at N100,000 each. The trucks were worth between N20-30 million each. The former Zamfara State Governor also accused Bawa of demanding a $2 million bribe.

There are also allegations that Bawa collaborated in fraudulent deals with Bureau De Change operators together with suspended CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele. The DSS is gathering evidence before charging Bawa to court.

The spokesperson for the DSS declined to comment on Bawa’s ongoing detention and investigation. With no legal counsel secured after over two months in custody, the suspended EFCC Chairman faces an uncertain future.