A Coalition of Human Rights groups under the aegis of Human Rights Defense
Network in Nigeria has condemned what it described as continued illegal
detention of former Head of Service of the Federation, Mr. Steve Oronsaye
by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), over an alleged
N240m fraud.
In a Press Statement signed by the National Coordinator of the group,
comrade Prosper Robinson and made available to newsmen, he argued that
EFCC’s continued illegal detention of Mr. Oronsaye for about five days
amounts to impunity and gross violation of his fundamental human rights.
He therefore demanded for his immediate release by the anti-graft agency.
Continuing, he frowned at the refusal of relevant Law enforcement agencies
to arrest for questioning, immediate past Chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim
Lamorde over an alleged diversion of more than 2trillion Naira recovered
loot.
According to him, Lamorde’s refusal to honour the invitation of the Senate
on the matter suggests that he is above the laws of the land and should
not be condoned.
“Mr. Oronsaye was invited by the EFCC and he honoured the invitation and
since then, they detained him and refused to let him go. We are aware that
he has fulfilled all the bail conditions, as requested by the Commission,
but they have still refused to let him go. Mr. Oronsaye is already being
prosecuted by the EFCC and the trial is moving smoothly. This latest twist
is suggestive of gross impunity and flagrant abuse of process. They should
release the man immediately and allow him appear in Court for trial
whenever they are ready. It is wrong to want to detain a fellow citizen in
perpetuity over allegations when you are not through with investigations.”
Continuing, Robinson stressed: “For several months now, former EFCC
Chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde has refused to honour an invitation by the
Senate to answer charges of criminal diversion of over two trillion Naira
recovered loot. Nobody has taken any step to bring him to justice, even
after a Warrant of arrest was issued on him. Is he above the law? Why
arrest and detain some in perpetuity, for allegations of smaller offences
while those accused of more heinous crimes against the masses are allowed
to walk the streets freely. It shows injustice. It is impunity. It is most
unfair,” he stressed.