Constitutional lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, has strongly criticized the ongoing detention of Abdulrasheed Bawa, the suspended Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and Godwin Emefiele, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, Ozekhome characterized the continued incarceration of Bawa and Emefiele as a manifestation of executive lawlessness and recklessness.
Height of Executive Lawlessness and Rascality
Ozekhome, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), expressed his deep concern over what he sees as a gross miscarriage of justice.
He lamented the fact that, despite the various wrongdoings that occurred during the previous administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, it is only Bawa and Emefiele who have been singled out for punitive measures.
This selective approach to justice has raised questions about the motives behind their detention.
Violation of Constitutional Provisions and Court Orders
The lawyer strongly condemned the actions of the Department of State Services (DSS) for continuing to detain both Bawa and Emefiele despite constitutional provisions and lawful court orders.
He described this act as barbaric, atrocious, and unconscionable.
Ozekhome drew attention to the fact that Bawa has been kept in detention for nearly two months following his invitation for questioning by the DSS.
Meanwhile, Emefiele, who was granted bail by a court of competent jurisdiction, has not been allowed to go free.
Lack of Clarity on Allegations and Investigation
Ozekhome highlighted the lack of transparency regarding the allegations against Bawa.
He questioned the DSS’s failure to specify Bawa’s offenses or provide clarity on the level of investigation conducted.
This lack of transparency further fuels concerns about the legality of their detention.
Plight of Suspended CBN Boss
Turning his attention to Godwin Emefiele, Ozekhome noted that his predicament might stem from his relationship with the Buhari government.
Despite accusations of mismanagement of the nation’s currency and other alleged offenses, Emefiele has not faced the same level of accountability as some of Buhari’s associates.
Ozekhome asked probing questions about Emefiele’s decision-making autonomy and the possibility of higher involvement in his actions.
Call for Release and Adherence to Rule of Law
Ozekhome criticized the DSS for its disregard of court orders and urged the security agency to immediately release both Bawa and Emefiele.
He emphasized the importance of upholding the Rule of Law and ensuring that justice is served fairly and equitably.
In summary, constitutional lawyer Mike Ozekhome has strongly condemned the continued detention of Abdulrasheed Bawa and Godwin Emefiele, denouncing it as a manifestation of executive lawlessness and a violation of constitutional provisions and court orders.
He has called for transparency, accountability, and the immediate release of the detained individuals in line with the Rule of Law.