On Friday night, human rights lawyer Femi Falana appeared on Channels TV’s Politics Today program and called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to expedite the investigation into the cases concerning the suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, and the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele.
Falana’s appeal comes after Emefiele’s arrest on June 10 by DSS officials on charges related to terrorism financing, while Bawa’s arrest was linked to allegations of office abuse.
Falana emphasized the need for a prompt and thorough investigation into these matters.
He said, “Under the administration of Criminal Justice Act if you’re going to detain a Nigerian beyond 24 hours in places where there are no courts within a radius of 40km{like Lagos and Abuja), you’re required to approach a Magistrate court to ask for a remand order to allow for investigation.”
Falana said that even if the DSS has obtained a court order to detain Emefiele and Bawa, the order cannot last for long.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria urged the Nigerian government to handle the cases in line with the provisions of the law to avoid a situation whereby loopholes are exploited.
“As far as I’m concerned, investigations should be speedily conducted, more so where allegations are made. I do not expect any delay in the investigation of the very serious allegation that has been made,” he mentioned.
“In the case of Emefiele, the State Security Services last year alleged his involvement in terrorism financing. Please, quickly do something about that. With respect to money laundering and other offences, take them to the appropriate agencies of the government.
“In the case of Mr Bawa, we haven’t been told the offences he committed. I cannot speak very confidently with respect to the gentleman except to ask the government or the agencies involved to speed up an investigation and have them arraigned if they are indicted.”
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, emphasized the importance of adhering to the proper legal procedures regarding the detention of Abdulrasheed Bawa and Godwin Emefiele.
Falana stated that if these procedures are not followed, it is essential that both individuals be granted bail. His position underscores the significance of upholding legal rights and due process in the handling of their cases.
