By Felix Khanoba
A rights advocacy group, Initiative Against Human Right Abuse And Torture (INAHURAT), has expressed deep concern over the continued detention of suspended chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa.
The AUTHORITY reports that Bawa, who was detained by the Department of State Services on 14 June, 2023 after honouring invitation of the secret police, has continued to languish in DSS custody.
But in a letter to the Director General of DSS, Mr Yusuf Bichi, by INAHURAT dated 14 August, 2023, the rights group described the detention without trial as unjust.
The group, in another letter to the DSS boss dated on 29th August, 2023, which served as a reminder to the earlier one, requested an audience with Mr Bichi over the issues concerning the continued detention of Bawa.
INAHURAT also said it may embark on legal action against DSS if Bawa remains incarcerated without trial.
The letter by INAHURAT’s Convener, Vivian Bellonwu, and National Coordinator, Comrade Gerald Katchy, a copy which was made available to the reporter, reads :
“We sent a letter titled (RE; REQUEST FOR AUDIENCE IN CONNECTION TO THE CONTINUED DETENTION OF MR ABDURASHEED BAWA, THE SUSPENDED CHAIRMAN OF THE ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CRIMES COMMISSION (EFCC) dated on the 14th August, 2023, this letter is a remainder to our clarion request.
“We take cognizance of the fact that Mr. Bawa honored an invitation of your organization on the 14th June, 2023 and has since then been held incommunicado by your organization.
” We are concerned that the continued detention of Mr. Bawa without proper trial amount to the gross violation of his Fundamental Rights and Basic freedom as guaranteed him by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as well as provided for him by the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights including as contained by the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights of which Nigeria is duly signatory to.
“We are therefore concerne that your highly respected organization which is built on thrust of “Loyalty, Vigilance, and Verity” is recently seen as being in violation of the Rule of Law and infringing on the Fundamental Rights of Citizens.
“We look forward to useful interaction with you on these issues with a view to re-asserting the confidence of the citizens which you serve in this noble organization, we may consider legal approach towards promotion and accountability of rights of citizens, especially Mr Bawa under your watch within 7 days.
“While standing by for your positive feedback, please have the assurance of our respectful regards.”
