Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed deep concern over the continued detention of the suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, by the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 14, following his suspension by President Bola Tinubu.

Similarly, the rights group has called for the release of suspended Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele.

In a statement signed by HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the group enumerated what it called “alarming implications of potential fascism and a full-blown dictatorship under President Tinubu’s administration.”

“Abdulrasheed Bawa was taken into custody by the Department of State Security (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.

He highlighted that lack of clarity regarding the specific reasons for Bawa’s arrest, the absence of formal charges and the denial of his fundamental rights were deeply troubling. HURIWA emphasized that such lack of transparency and due process was not only unconstitutional but also a breach of Bawa’s fundamental rights as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution and other relevant laws that protect personal liberty and mandate in lawful places of detention.

Furthermore, HURIWA noted that the prolonged detention of Abdulrasheed Bawa without access to legal counsel and his family constitutes a blatant violation of international human rights norms. More so, the group pointed out that arbitrary or unlawful detention was strictly prohibited by international human rights instruments; “and Bawa’s case raises serious concerns about the government’s commitment to upholding these vital standards,” the group noted.

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, and urged the Nigerian government to address these allegations promptly and transparently, ensuring that no individual was 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,” HURIWA concluded.

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