Section 35(3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria states: “Any person who is arrested or detained shall be informed in writing within twenty-four hours (and in a language that he understands) of the facts and grounds for his arrest or detention.” This constitutional provision supersedes the law establishing the EFCC and any other law in the country.
Regrettably, the EFCC is flagrantly disregarding this constitutional provision. VeryDarkMan and/or his lawyers are entitled to know in writing the reasons for his arrest and detention. However, several days after his arrest, neither he nor his lawyers have been informed of the grounds for his detention.
In fact, the EFCC has demonstrated a concerning level of inconsistency. While they have published a disclaimer on their social media pages regarding speculation about the cause of VeryDarkMan’s arrest, they have yet to disclose the actual reason for the arrest. A statement issued this morning still failed to provide clarity on the grounds for his arrest.
The EFCC’s actions constitute a clear breach of the law.
The haunting words of Pastor Martin Niemöller resonate deeply in this context:
“First they came for the Communists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Communist
Then they came for the Socialists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Socialist
Then they came for the trade unionists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a trade unionist
Then they came for the Jews
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Jew
Then they came for me
And there was no one left
To speak out for me.”
— First Baba Isa (FBI)
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