The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed grave concern about the continued detention by the Department of State Services (DSS) of Abdulrasheed Bawa, the suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), since June 14, following his suspension by President Bola Tinubu. Similarly, the Rights group has demanded the release of suspended CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele.
HURIWA underlined the worrisome implications of impending fascism and full-fledged tyranny under President Tinubu’s administration in a statement signed by the National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko.
“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,” stated Comrade Onwubiko.
HURIWA emphasized that the lack of clarity regarding the specific reasons for Bawa’s arrest, the absence of formal charges, and the denial of his fundamental rights are deeply concerning. Such lack of transparency and due process is not only unconstitutional but also a violation of Bawa’s fundamental rights as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution and other relevant laws that protect personal liberty and mandate lawful places of detention.
Furthermore, HURIWA stated that Abdulrasheed Bawa’s protracted arrest without access to legal counsel or his family is a flagrant violation of international human rights principles.
Furthermore, the group stated that arbitrary or wrongful detention is expressly prohibited by international human rights treaties, and Bawa’s case raises severe doubts about the government’s commitment to respecting these critical norms.
As a result of these alarming events, HURIWA demanded Abdulrasheed Bawa’s immediate and unconditional release. The organization is adamant that continuing incarceration without official charges or access to legal counsel undermines the concepts of justice, democracy, and human rights that Nigeria should defend as a responsible member of the global community.
The leading civil rights advocacy organization emphasized the urgent need for all relevant authorities to respect the rule of law, due process, and the protection of fundamental rights, while also urging the Nigerian government to respond to these allegations promptly and transparently, ensuring that no individual is subjected to arbitrary or unlawful detention under any circumstances.
“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,” HURIWA concluded.
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