Abdulrasheed Bawa, a former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has been given the traditional title of ‘Tafidan Jega’ by the Jega Emirate Council in Kebbi State.
This title was bestowed on him a few months after he was released from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Bawa, who became the fourth executive chairman of the EFCC after being appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari on February 16, 2021, and confirmed by the Senate on February 24, 2021, at the age of 40, faced challenges after President Bola Tinubu took office.
He was arrested and held by the DSS on June 14, 2023, for undisclosed reasons. However, Bawa was released on October 25, 2023, after spending over 100 days in DSS detention.
During the ceremony, Bawa’s uncle, Alhaji Ibrahim Yahaya Bawa, a former Executive Director at the Kaduna Refining and Petro-chemical Company, also received the title of ‘Cigari Jega’.
Bawa expressed gratitude to the Emir of Jega, Alhaji Muhammadu Arzika, for honoring him and his uncle at the event.
“We, and the entire family, are assuring the monarch and the entire Emirate Council of our unalloyed loyalty and deep respect.”
Previously, the monarch welcomed the former anti-corruption czar to his palace and reminded him of the traditional courtesies expected of his position while carrying out his duties for the benefit of the people of the Emirate Council.
The monarch also instructed Bawa, as the Tafidan Jega, to supervise and ensure the timely completion of all development projects in the Emirate, making sure they have a positive impact on the people.
