Femi Falana, a respected Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has called for prompt investigations into the cases involving Godwin Emefiele, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and Abdulrasheed Bawa, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Falana made this demand on Friday, emphasizing the need for swift action to be taken in light of the allegations against the two individuals.
The suspension of Emefiele and Bawa was announced by President Bola Tinubu last month, with the intention of facilitating investigations into their conduct while in office. The Department of State Service (DSS) subsequently interrogated Bawa regarding alleged abuse of power, while Emefiele was detained on June 10 on suspicions of involvement in terrorism financing.
During an appearance on Channels Television’s programme, Politics Today, Falana called on the DSS to bring both individuals before a court of law if substantial evidence has been gathered against them. He asserted that their prolonged detention is not in accordance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
The prominent lawyer urged the Federal Government to handle these cases in full compliance with the provisions of the law, in order to prevent any potential exploitation of legal loopholes. By conducting thorough and transparent investigations, Falana emphasized the importance of upholding the principles of justice and ensuring a fair process for all parties involved.
He said: “Investigations should be speedily conducted, more so where allegations are made. I do not expect any delay in the investigation of the very serious allegation that has been made.
“In the case of Emefiele, the State Security Services last year alleged his involvement in terrorism financing. Please, quickly do something about that. With respect to money laundering and other offences, take them to the appropriate agencies of government.
“In the case of Mr. Bawa, we haven’t been told the offences he committed. I cannot speak very confidently with respect to the gentleman except to ask the government or the agencies involved to speed up an investigation and have them arraigned if they are indicted.”
