MURIC Calls For Immediate Release Or Arraignment Of Bawa Amidst Concerns Of Prolonged Detention

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has raised a fervent demand for the swift release or just legal proceedings to be initiated for AbdulRasheed Bawa, the former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Professor Ishaq Akintola, the Executive Director of MURIC, vocalized this appeal on Thursday, highlighting the disquiet over Bawa’s continuous confinement since June 14, 2023, in the absence of formal accusations or public elucidation.

Akintola underscored the stark contradiction between Bawa’s persistent detainment and the stipulations of Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which guarantees a fundamental right to fair hearing.

Furthermore, he emphasized that this situation sharply contrasts with the essence of Section 41 of the constitution, which ensures the freedom of movement for all citizens of Nigeria.

In a statement released by the Muslim Rights Concern, it was pointed out that there has been no communication from the former EFCC chief or his legal representatives. This silence raised concerns related to the judicial principle of audi alterem partem, which mandates hearing from both sides before reaching a verdict.

Akintola voiced additional worries concerning the differential treatment of AbdulRasheed Bawa and Godwin Emefiele, the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). He queried, “If Godwin Emefiele could be arraigned in court twice since his arrest, we wonder what special crime Bawa committed to have warranted his indefinite detention.”

Highlighting the paramount importance of due process, the director of MURIC lamented the perceived inequality in legal representation. He suggested that Emefiele’s reported access to significant resources might have contributed to the disparate trajectories of their cases.

The Islamic human rights organization fervently called for the safeguarding of Bawa’s fundamental human rights, advocating for either his prompt release or the commencement of judicial procedures that would allow for his bail.

Akintola insisted, “MURIC demands that he should be released without delay or presented in court, where the specifics of the charges against him can be formally articulated. Additionally, he should be granted access to his legal counsel, personal physician, and immediate family members.”