Former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, has stormed his hometown in Jega, Kebbi State, days after being released by the Department of State Services (DSS).
Bawa has been in the custody of the secret police since June when President Bola Tinubu suspended him.
The Director of Information at the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Willie Bassey, had said Bawa was suspended as a result of weighty allegations of abuse of office levelled against him.
Bellnews recalls that a former governor of Zamfara State and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, had accused Bawa of demanding $2 million bribe from him, an allegation which he denied.
Bassey had said the suspension was to allow for a proper investigation into his conduct while in office.
The videos which surfaced online show the convoy Bawa used during the visit and how he received a heroic welcome.
Bawa’s action has generated mixed reactions from many Nigerians.
@aai_austin wrote: “Heroes welcome for someone accused of multiple offenses? Nigeria is not ready.”
@AareHmd wrote: “Chaii…. Person wey steal our national money ooo. This is ridiculous. These people are taking us for a joke!!!!”
@Davidweizide wrote: “The man might contest for president against Tinubu in 2027″
@Mansaah_Musa wrote: “Our Hero. They tried to tarnish your image but they failed”
@m___mohaa wrote: “This is disheartening! Someone that’s under administrative bail on allegations for looting the country is now hailed as a hero! We are our problem”
@CyrusAdemola wrote: “Nigeria political class are the most wasteful set of people in the world.”
@Erbdoul wrote: “I’m 80% ✓ sure if Abdulrasheed Bawa decide to contest for HMHR or any position come 2027 that he might win.”
@rebelboyalex wrote: “Imagine giving a hero’s welcome to a criminal that didn’t persecute criminals as EFCC chairman and even stole. Lol them suppose separate this country into two make northerners Dey live in their own world”
@hassanmm27 wrote: “It’s only in Nigeria we celebrate criminality. Next up will be a traditional title and then a senate election.”
@DeGodfactor wrote: “The next thing he will come out for Governor in his state, northern politicians are fantastically corrupt, they hide in their religion to cause mayhem in Nigeria, taxpayer monies and our mineral resources are solely pocketed by few of them.”