Abdulkarim Chukkol, the director of operations at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has taken up the mantle as the acting chairman of the esteemed anti-graft agency.
This development follows the suspension of Abdulrasheed Bawa, who previously held the position and President Bola Tinubu’s subsequent order for a comprehensive investigation into Bawa’s activities during his tenure.
The announcement of Bawa’s suspension was made on Wednesday through a statement by Willie Bassey, the director of information at the office of the secretary to the government of the federation (SGF).
The directive came amid mounting concerns over certain aspects of Bawa’s performance, prompting President Tinubu to initiate a probe to shed light on these matters.
As part of the ongoing investigation, Abdulrasheed Bawa was summoned by the Department of State Security (DSS) and subjected to a rigorous interrogation session.
The DSS sought to obtain clarifications on issues pertaining to “some investigative activities concerning him” during his tenure as EFCC chairman.
Addressing the recent developments, the EFCC released an official statement on Thursday, announcing Abdulkarim Chukkol’s appointment as the acting chairman.
The commission highlighted Chukkol’s long-standing association with the EFCC, having served as one of its pioneer staff members.
“Following Tuesday’s suspension of Abdulrasheed Bawa as executive chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission by the federal government, Abdulkarim Chukkol has stepped in as acting chairman of the commission,” the EFCC said.
“A pioneer staff of the commission and an illustrious member of the EFCC Cadet Course One, Chukkol is a consummate and vastly experienced investigator with a specialty in cybercrime and money laundering.”
CHUKKOL’S PROFILE
His impressive career within the commission includes notable leadership positions such as heading the Advance Fee Fraud and Cybercrime Sections of the Lagos and Abuja Zonal Commands from 2011 to 2016.
He also served as the pioneer commander of the Uyo Zonal Command in 2017 and assumed the role of commander of the Port Harcourt Zonal Command in 2020.
Chukkol’s professional contributions extend beyond national boundaries, as he has actively participated in numerous joint operations with esteemed international law enforcement organizations.
He maintains close relationships with agencies such as the FBI, UK National Crime Agency, United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), United States Secret Service, Australian Federal Police, Dutch Police, German Police, South African Police, and many others.
Furthermore, Chukkol has been instrumental in collaborating with other governments to develop legislation and infrastructure for effective law enforcement actions.
He represents Nigeria as the contact person at the International Mass Marketing Fraud Working Group, engaging with key regulatory bodies, law enforcement agencies, prosecution teams, immigration and customs authorities, financial intelligence units, consumer protection agencies, trade bureaus, and competition bureaus from Spain, Nigeria, Belgium, Europol, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The acting EFCC chairman’s commitment to continuous learning is evident in his participation in various courses, seminars, and workshops focusing on combating public corruption, advance fee fraud, and other economic and financial crimes.
Notably, Chukkol attended a program at Oxford University in the United Kingdom in 2022, further expanding his knowledge and expertise.
Chukkol’s commendable efforts and innovative initiatives throughout his career have garnered him numerous awards and accolades, both locally and internationally.
The EFCC recognized his outstanding contributions by presenting him with the “Most Outstanding Award in Operations.” Similarly, the United States Department of Justice commended his exceptional performance, bestowing upon him the prestigious “Outstanding Performance Award.”
In terms of education, the acting EFCC chairman holds a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Maiduguri, which he obtained in 2000.
Additionally, he possesses a Post Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice Education from the University of Virginia in the United States and a Graduate Diploma in Cybersecurity and Spectrum Management from the United States Telecommunication Training Institute in Washington DC.
Chukkol is an alumnus of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, the European Center of Security Studies in Germany, and a Fellow of the War College in Nigeria.
With Abdulkarim Chukkol assuming the role of acting chairman, the EFCC aims to maintain its unwavering commitment to combating corruption, cybercrime, and financial malfeasance in Nigeria.
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