EFCC’s Bawa Spends 50 Days In DSS Custody

Posted by Thandiubani on Mon 07th Aug, 2023 - tori.ng

Recall that the DSS had arrested and detained Bawa since his suspension on June 14 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has lambasted the DSS over the continued detention of the suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa.

This comes after Bawa spent 50 days in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Recall that the DSS had arrested and detained Bawa since his suspension on June 14 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The suspended anti-corruption agency boss has remained in the custody of the secret police with trial or arraignment.

In a statement signed by the National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA accused the DSS of acting like a dictatorship.

The group stated that Bawa’s continued detention amounts to “potential fascism and a full-blown dictatorship” under President Tinubu’s administration.

“Abdulrasheed Bawa was taken into custody by the DSS just hours after his suspension by President Tinubu. To date, the DSS has remained silent on the precise allegations, the status of the investigation, and whether charges will be filed in court,” it said.

Onwubiko noted that the absence of formal charges against Bawa and his prolonged detention without access to his family or lawyers is a denial of his constitutional fundamental rights and portrays a lack of transparency and due process on the part of the DSS and President Tinubu’s administration under whose purview the secret service operates.

While calling mp for the immediate release of Bawa, the group warned against the deliberate violation of the rule of law and international best practices.

The statement further reads, “Hence, in light of these troubling developments, HURIWA called for the immediate and unconditional release of Abdulrasheed Bawa. The organization firmly believes that the continued detention without formal charges or access to legal representation violates the principles of justice, democracy, and human rights that Nigeria should uphold as a responsible member of the global community.

“The foremost civil rights advocacy group underscored the urgent need for all relevant authorities to respect the rule of law, due process, and the protection of fundamental rights just as it urged the Nigerian government to address these allegations promptly and transparently, ensuring that no individual is subjected to arbitrary or unlawful detention under any circumstance.

“We call upon the international community to closely monitor the developments in Nigeria and lend their support in safeguarding democratic values and human rights in our country. Together, we must stand against any actions that threaten the democratic fabric and jeopardize the well-being of Nigerian citizens.”