Fasten Investigation, arraign Bawa, Emefiele – Femi Falana urges DSS

Human rights attorney Femi Falana has requested that the Department of State Services (DSS) expedite its investigation into the cases involving the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele and the suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa.

Bawa was questioned by the secret services on claims of abuse of office made against him, while Emefiele was detained on June 10 on suspicion of financing terrorism.

In an interview with Politics Today on Channels Television, Falana encouraged the DSS to charge the pair with an offense if it has proof of an indictment.

He claimed that Emefiele and Bawa’s continuing detention did not demonstrate how the Administration of Criminal Justice Act was being applied.

In order to prevent a situation where gaps are abused, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria asked the Nigerian government to handle the cases in accordance with the law’s requirements.

“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,” he stated.

“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.”