I was forced to carry placard at gunpoint – Kwara lawyer

…NBA threatens legal action against anti-graft agency

By Kayode Adeoti

The former secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ilorin branch, Sulyman Abaya, yesterday, revealed how he was forced at gun point to carry placard at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The Ilorin Zonal office of the commission had last Wednesday, accused the legal practitioner of defrauding one Pastor Adetunji Adedoyin of his property valued at N20million thereby forcing him to carry a placard with as inscription of alleged criminal conspiracy, forgery and obtaining money by false pretence.
Abaya, in a press conference held at the Ilorin NBA house, yesterday, disclosed that he was coerced at gun point by no fewer than two police officers at the anti-graft agency’s office to carry placard despite his effort to avert it.
He added that he was overpowered by the EFCC policemen after resisting and protesting against the act for more than one hour.
He added that his photograph was uploaded on the commission’s social media page immediately it was taken, saying the action jettisoned his fundamental human rights of being heard in the court of law over the N20million fraud allegation.
Abaya, however condemned the act describing it as unwarranted and unconstitutional.
“While at the EFCC custody, I clearly stated my story in connection with the case as narrated above but despite my explanations and notwithstanding that I was not confronted with any document I allegedly forged or allegation that I collected money from anybody or received money on behalf of anybody in connection with the case, the officers of EFCC threatened and forced me against my will to carry placard and took my photograph which they later uploaded on the internet.
“The whole world has undoubtedly seen me carrying a placard. Please retake a deep look at that picture and you will see that it was hesitantly carried with one hand. For more than one hour, I resisted and protested carrying the placard but EFCC called on two of its mobile policemen who pointed gun at me and coerced me to carry it. As soon as the picture was taken, EFCC released me and my car.
“I want to state categorically and contrary to the EFCC allegations that I did not conspire with anybody, impersonate anybody and/or forge any document in order to defraud the said Pastor Adedoyin of his property at any point in my life. This fact can be confirmed from Mr. Victor Okoji, Esq who is said to be Engr. Adedoyin’s lawyer.
Reacting to the development, the Ilorin NBA Chairman, Muhammed Idowu Akande, stressed that the legal body is ready to support its member in seeking redress over the alleged ill-treatment meted to him.
He added that the NBA will today (Monday) constitute legal team that will look into the issue stressing that the agency will subsequently be dragged before State or Federal High Court for the bridge of fundamental human rights.
“The action of the EFCC is condemnable, four legal practitioners were involved in the matter but I will limit myself to two whom I am privileged to meet because the two others are still in EFCC custody. While I was at the NBA conference in Lagos, I received a call that Abaya has been arrested at the high court premises in a Commando style.
“I was seriously disturbed over what he might have done, so I couldn’t wait till the end of the conference. I was shocked when I saw his photograph on the twitter handle of Mr Ibrahim Magu, the EFCC boss, and three other lawyers from Ilorin branch carrying placards that displayed their names and their allege offences. When I saw it, I knew there was more to it because justice is not a game of hide and seek.
“I did investigation into the matter, I met the lawyer who instituted the case, Dr. Ariyoosu, I saw the judgement, the file and the role played by Mr Abaya, he only had three appearances in the matter. As the Bar, we’re not saying we are perfect, any lawyer found wanting can be prosecuted but we won’t allow any organisation, no matter how influential to intimidate us or punish the innocent.
“This action is highly condemnable, I also frowned at the act of displaying suspect carrying placard online, the EFCC has already condemned such a person in the public court because public opinion will be against him, this negates the constitution particularly chapter 4 (36) of the 1999 constitution which presumed every Nigerian is innocent of an allegation against him until proven in a competent court.”
In the same vein, the Chairman of the Ilorin branch of Young Lawyers’ Forum, Olayinka Dauda Jimoh corroborated the Ilorin NBA boss, saying EFCC should be made to realise its lapses.
He added that any act of injustice on any member of the Bar is against the generality of the Bar.

…another sues EFCC, claims N20m damages

An Ilorin-based lawyer, Olarewaju Aluko, has dragged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to court over alleged defamation of character.
The Ilorin Zonal office of the commission had last Wednesday accused the lawyer of defrauding one Pastor Adetunji Adedoyin of his property valued at N20million.
The EFCC had also claimed that Aluko was at large following invitation and interrogation of other lawyers reportedly involved in the matter.
However, Aluko, alongside his client, Taiye Suyuti Na’Allah, last Thursday, approached the Kwara State High Court, seeking redress and claiming N20milllion as damages.
Adedoyin is also joined as, respondent in the suit, which has been assigned to Justice Hammed Gegele.
The motion on notice was brought pursuant to Order II, Order IV, Rules 3 & 4 of the fundamental right (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009, sections 34, 35. 36, 37,41and 46 of the Nigerian constitution of 1999 as amended…
The applicants are seeking declaration that the online publication is a defamation of character and against provision of chapter IV of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the African charter of Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and enforcement) Act Cap. 10 of the laws of Federal Republic of Nigeria 1990.
They are also seeking that the circulation of the online publication against them prior invitation to react to the petition or arraign them before any competent court is illegal, unconstitutional and against the fundamental rights of the applicants.
Aluko and his client, in the suit, prayed the court should restrain the EFCC, from inviting, arresting or prosecuting them pending determination of motion on notice filed before the court.
The applicants in the motions on notice urged the court to enforce an order on the anti-graft agency to tender unreserved public apology in national dailies.
They also want the court to award N20million damage against EFCC over what they described as illegal, unlawful and unconstitutional online publication.
Speaking to newsmen over the development in Ilorin, on Thursday, Aluko expressed disappointment over the operation of the commission.
He lamented that he was not at large as claimed by EFCC in the report, adding that he was neither called nor invited for interrogation before the publication went viral on social media.
“I was highly surprised and disappointed over EFCC’s operation; many people have been calling me that I have been declared wanted over allegation of fraud in which some lawyers were arrested.
“I have never in my life been involved in fraud. The EFCC has never called me on phone or invited me personally or give me notice to come to their office in respect of the allegation made by one Engr. Adedoyin, who is now a pastor.
“I read it online and heard from friends that I am at large. Honestly, this is defamation of character and I am not going to take it lightly,” he said.
He explained that the purchase of the said landed property by his client followed due process, as there was court judgement to back it.