The slamming of a N100 million fine against the government of Nigeria and its agency, the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), by an Abuja high court is a reminder that government agencies must adhere to the law in every situation.
Development Diaries reports that the court has declared the prolonged detention of the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emfiele, without trial as a flagrant violation of his fundamental human rights.
The judgment was given in a fundamental human rights suit filed by the former CBN governor following his prolonged detention in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
In the past, the EFCC and the DSS have shown a flagrant disregard for the rule of law by detaining the ex-CBN boss for a long time without trial.
Even after the Federal High Court in Lagos State, southwest Nigeria, granted Emefiele bail on 25 July, 2023, the DSS re-arrested him on the court premises amid a clash with warders from the Ikoyi Correctional Centre.
This was in defiance of section 35 of Nigeria’s 1999 constitution, which states that the police may not detain any suspect for longer than 48 hours without a court order.
Government agencies play a crucial role in safeguarding and promoting the well-being of their citizens, and one fundamental aspect that must be prioritised in their operations is respect for human rights.
It is important that government agencies prioritise and actively demonstrate respect for human rights to fulfill their legal obligations, maintain social stability, garner public trust, and enhance their global standing.
Respect for human rights must also be demonstrated in the EFCC’s investigation of the suspended Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Minister, Betta Edu, as it is understood that Edu has honoured the invitation of the commission over the alleged N585 million fraud in her ministry.
Government agencies are bound by national and international laws that protect human rights; therefore, Development Diaries calls on the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, and other law enforcement agencies to make it their duty to always respect the rule of law in discharging their duties.
