Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, faces mounting pressure from civil‑society organisations allied with the Coalition for Good Governance and Change Initiative. The groups have warned that, if Bawa does not comply with court orders within 72 hours, they will mobilise thousands of members to protest at the office of the Attorney‑General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and later at the State House.
In a statement released in Abuja, the coalition’s National Coordinator, Okpokwu Ogenyi, described Bawa as a “vibrant young man” who has already been sentenced to prison twice for contempt of court. Ogenyi noted that the threat follows a recent protest in Lagos, where more than 100 members of another civil‑society organisation took to the streets demanding Bawa’s removal over alleged human‑rights violations and disobedience of court orders.
Ogenyi lamented that those tasked with safeguarding the Constitution are instead “flagrantly abusing it.” He argued that Nigerians expect youth in leadership to act proactively, cooperatively, and humanely, especially in protecting President Muhammadu Buhari’s image in anti‑corruption, human‑rights, and democratic governance. With Bawa’s appointment as EFCC Executive Chairman, many anticipated a paradigm shift and improved service delivery, but Ogenyi claims the opposite has occurred. He reiterated that Bawa has been sentenced to prison twice for contempt and that his tenure has damaged the relationship between the EFCC and the judiciary—an institution meant to convict financial offenders.
According to Ogenyi, Nigeria currently grapples with numerous challenges, including fuel shortages, unreliable power supply, monetary scarcity, abuse of office, and disregard for court orders. He called on the Inspector General of Police and the Department of State Services to intervene and hold Bawa accountable. Ogenyi cited a recent Lokoja High Court ruling that ordered Bawa’s arrest and confinement at Kuje Correctional Centre for contempt, yet Bawa allegedly continued to harass, investigate, and prosecute those who upheld the court’s decision. He also accused Bawa of targeting individuals who conducted lawful business with the Kogi State government.
Under Bawa’s leadership, Ogenyi claimed, a U.S. report accused the EFCC of pursuing “Yahoo boys” while ignoring serious financial crime offenders. He argued that the commission now contradicts President Buhari’s principle of a strong institutional government. Consequently, Ogenyi urged the police and security services to compel the EFCC Chairman to obey court orders, warning that failure to do so would further tarnish the Buhari administration’s image and integrity.
On the eve of a political transition, the coalition pledged to protect the President’s image and preserve his legacy. Ogenyi appealed directly to President Buhari to reprimand Bawa and ensure he does not place himself above the Constitution. He warned that, if Bawa does not comply with all court orders—including the one sending him to Kuje Correctional Centre—within 72 hours, the coalition will mobilise thousands to the streets, occupy the Attorney‑General’s office, then Bawa’s office, and ultimately move on to the Presidency, asserting that Nigeria is not a “banana republic” without law and order.
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