… Tell Nigerians Why You Arrested and Detained Abdulrasheed Bawa for Months
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has raised concerns about transparency and democracy in Nigeria following the recent revelation that the Department of State Security (DSS) detained former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, for an unexplained three months.
HURIWA in a statement signed by its national Coordinator Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko demands full disclosure from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the DSS regarding the circumstances surrounding Bawa’s arrest, detention, and subsequent release.
According to HURIWA, Abdulrasheed Bawa’s detention was carried out in a manner akin to “Gestapo tactics” on June 14 without any charges filed against him.
“The sequence of events surrounding Abdulrasheed Bawa’s detention is bewildering. The DSS arrested him in a manner akin to ‘Gestapo tactics’ on June 14, detaining him for an extended period without filing any charges. The Nigerian public must be informed about the reasons behind this inexcusable and unjustified detention. In the name of democracy, transparency, and accountability, we insist that the truth must come to light.
“Furthermore, Abdulrasheed Bawa’s release has occurred under a cloud of suspicion and secrecy. It is important to note that Bawa resigned from his position while still in detention. This fact raises questions about the circumstances leading to his resignation. The people of Nigeria deserve to know whether this resignation was voluntary or coerced, highlighting the potential abuse of power.’’
HURIWA also demand comprehensive explanations from both the DSS and President Tinubu as government agencies responsible for upholding rule of law should operate with transparency and accountability as secrecy is antithetical to democracy.
HURIWA implored Nigerian authorities at all levels to uphold values like democracy, transparency & accountability because these form cornerstones upon which our great nation stands.
