EFCC’s Prickly Remand Warrant for Fani-Kayode - Yemi Adebowale

The warrant obtained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to keep Femi Fani-Kayode in its custody for another three weeks is highly contentious. The agency had earlier obtained a 14-day remand warrant at an Abuja court. When it expired, the agency knew that it would be difficult to obtain an extension from the same court. So, it whisked Fani-Kayode to Lagos and obtained another warrant from an Ikeja Magistrate court to keep him for another 21 days. Fani-Kayode’s lawyers had earlier served the EFCC notices from a Federal High Court in Abuja on May 20 for the enforcement of his fundamental human rights. But the EFCC ignored this. He has also met all his bail conditions, yet, they refused to release him. This is a gross abuse of court processes and a denial of his fundamental human rights. This former minister was invited by the EFCC and he promptly honoured the invitation. He has no history of attempting to evade arrest. I don’t know what our anti-graft agency stands to gain by this indecent tactics. I hope the EFCC is not confirming insinuations that they have been directed to keep Fani out of circulation. He should not have been invited in the first place if the agency had not established a prima facie case against him. This idea of detaining people while continuing investigation has no place in a democracy. I am shocked that our human rights lawyers are not speaking up against this impunity. This morning, I urge the EFCC to charge Fani-Kayode to court if they have a case against him or release him immediately. The EFCC must please place a premium on propriety and professionalism in its conduct.