EFCC is not above the Law and Can’t be allowed to operate with Impunity – Ikwuazom SAN demands the Immediate Release of Suleiman Yahaya Esq from EFCC Custody
The Chairman of Nigerian Bar Association – Security Agencies Relations Committee (NBA-SARC), Chukwuka Ikwuazom SAN has demanded the immediate release of a lawyer and a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Suleiman Toyin Yahaya Esq., arrested and detained by the EFCC since July 26.
SEE IKWUAZOM SAN’S PRESS STATEMENT BELOW;
It has just been brought to my attention that our colleague, Suleiman Toyin Yahaya, a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ilorin Branch, was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday, 26 July 2023, and has been kept in detention since then.
The High Court of Kwara State, Ilorin Division, on 3 August in Suit No. KWS/146m/2023 issued an order for the release of Suleiman Toyin Yahaya, and the order was promptly served on the EFCC. It’s my understanding that the EFCC is yet to comply with the order.
The Nigerian Bar Association – Security Agencies Relations Committee (NBA-SARC), which I chair demands the immediate release or arraignment of Suleiman Toyin Yahaya.
It is bad enough that our colleague has been held in detention beyond the constitutionally prescribed period without being charged.
It is, however, totally unacceptable that he is still being held in violation of a court order for his release. No security agency (including the EFCC) is above the law and can be allowed to operate with impunity.
I have been in touch with the leadership of the NBA, Ilorin Branch, on this issue even as we deliberate on steps to be taken to compel the EFCC to obey the order of court in the event it elects to not accede to our demand.
Chukwuka Ikwuazom, SAN
(Chairman, NBA-SARC)
