Global Rights Nigeria, a prominent advocate for sustainable justice, has issued a stern call to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), urging the agency to uphold the fundamental rights of Nigerian citizens while carrying out its mandated duties. This appeal comes in response to a recent incident in Akure, Ondo State, where the EFCC conducted an early morning raid on two clubs, resulting in the apprehension of over 127 individuals.
In a strongly worded statement penned by Abiodun Baiyewu, the Executive Director of Global Rights, the organization condemned the raid as an overt display of force that lacked necessary restraint and respect for the human rights of the detainees. Global Rights acknowledges the critical role of the EFCC in combating corruption within Nigeria, yet emphasizes that such operations must be conducted in a manner that respects and upholds the rights of all individuals involved.
“EFCC’s response to their allegations of heavy-handedness, in this case, was focused on their belief that the victims were primarily ‘yahoo boys’
“We stress that this is not the first time the EFCC has been accused of high-handedness in executing its law enforcement functions. It has earned notoriety for infringing on suspects’ rights while conducting arrests. EFCC officials have been credibly accused of conducting unlawful arrests, assaulting suspects, unlawfully seizing property, and, in some instances destroying the possessions and properties of suspects.
“These actions contravene the spirit and letter of the Nigerian Constitution, which provides several protections for criminal suspects. Chief among those protections is the presumption of innocence until a person is found guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
“This is the gold standard in democratic societies and informs how arrests are conducted, especially in non-violent or white-collar offences. The EFCC’s approach of arresting non-convicts for non-violent crimes using heavy-handed tactics is more condemnable because none of the suspects has ever been convicted of a crime for which they were arrested.
“The Nigerian Constitution further provides that everyone, including suspected criminals, is to be treated with a fundamental respect for the dignity of their person. This sentiment underpins the United Nations Body of Principles for the Protection of All Persons under Any Form of Detention or Imprisonment. Principle 1 of that document states, ‘All persons under any form of detention or imprisonment shall be treated in a humane manner and with respect for the inherent dignity of the human person’
“In applying that litmus test to this situation, it is clear that the EFCC displayed no respect for the dignity of the suspects arrested at Akure, as they allegedly employed the use of teargas to arrest suspects in an enclosed space. The victims also stated that their phones were confiscated, and the clubs where the arrests took place suffered significant structural damage”
The incident in Akure has sparked widespread concern among human rights advocates and the general public alike, raising questions about the methods employed by law enforcement agencies in carrying out arrests and investigations. Global Rights Nigeria asserts that while tackling corruption remains a vital national objective, it should not come at the expense of individual liberties and due process.
“It is imperative,” states Baiyewu, “that the EFCC fulfills its mandate without compromising the rights of those it seeks to investigate. The rule of law and respect for human dignity must be upheld at all times.”
The organization further stresses that effective law enforcement does not necessitate the use of excessive force or disregard for constitutional protections. Rather, it calls for a balanced approach that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and adherence to legal standards in all operations conducted by the EFCC.
Global Rights Nigeria underscores its commitment to supporting efforts against corruption while simultaneously advocating for the protection of civil liberties. According to Baiyewu, “We recognize the importance of the EFCC’s mission in combating corruption, which poses a significant threat to our nation’s development. However, this mission must be pursued in a manner that respects the rights of all Nigerians, regardless of their circumstances.”
The statement by Global Rights serves as a reminder to the EFCC and other law enforcement agencies of their duty to operate within the framework of international human rights standards and Nigeria’s own legal system. It calls for a reconsideration of tactics that may compromise public trust and undermine the integrity of investigations.
“We thought the EFCC’s management understood this context when it issued a directive banning night raids by its officials last year.
“However, it seems this particular fever of crudeness has proved too difficult for the EFCC to break. Continuing down this path may permanently cost the EFCC the goodwill of the very people it owes its mission to. As you may be aware, protests have begun in Akure over the events of last Saturday.
“We demand the EFCC to immediately release the suspects arrested in Akure on Saturday. Those who are being prosecuted should be charged according to the timeline provided in the Nigerian Constitution, as well return phones and other personal items seized on Saturday’s raid to their rightful owners.
“EFCC must take steps to compensate the owners of the properties they destroyed while effecting the arrest, and a public apology should also be issued. “The anti – graft body should adhere strictly to the directive issued by its Chairman last year banning night raids, then work with civil society actors and human rights defenders to help refine its rules of procedure for arresting and prosecuting criminal suspects.
In conclusion, Global Rights Nigeria urges the EFCC to review its approach to operations, ensuring that future actions are conducted with utmost professionalism and respect for human rights. The organization stands ready to engage constructively with authorities to promote a balanced and rights-respecting approach to combating corruption and ensuring justice for all Nigerians.
As the debate continues over the incident in Akure and its broader implications, Global Rights remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for a just and equitable society where the rule of law prevails and fundamental freedoms are upheld without compromise.
“On our part, Global Rights will continue to advocate for the protection of the rights of all Nigerians, whether they be criminal suspects or not” they assured.
