The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reacted to the conviction of its chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa.
A statement by the Head of Media, Wilson Uwujaren said the anti-graft agency received the verdict with shock.
Justice Chizoba Oji of a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama ruled that Bawa failed to comply with an order of November 21, 2018.
The court had directed the return of seized assets comprising a Range Rover and the sum of N40million
Uwujaren noted that the judgement creates a wrong impression that its chairman was encouraging impunity.
The spokesperson said Bawa has been an apostle of rule of law, due process, and collaboration between institutions in justice administration.
The EFCC stressed that the FCT High Court order was given on November 21, 2018, three years before Bawa became the chairman.
“This fact is germane as the contempt process is quasi criminal in nature and must be served on the person involved. Bawa, as incumbent chairman, was neither served form 48 nor form 49,” he said.
Uwujaren said the commission released the vehicle to the applicant on the 27th of June, 2022 and approved the process to release the remaining N40m.
The statement confirmed that the EFCC had initiated a process to set aside the entire contempt proceedings and committal of Bawa for contempt.
