Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for detaining ex-lawmaker Muhammad Kazaure without due process.
Detention Without Justification
In a statement posted on his official X handle, Atiku described the arrest as another instance of the EFCC’s “pattern of lawlessness.” He accused the commission of detaining Kazaure without charges, denying access to legal representation, and failing to offer any public explanation.
Repeated Disregard for Rule of Law
Atiku referenced the recent arrest of online activist VeryDarkMan, who was released only after public outrage. He claimed Kazaure’s arrest follows a similar script of violating citizens’ rights under the guise of investigation.
“The EFCC has once again shown brazen disregard for due process,” Atiku said.
Criticism of Tinubu Administration Alleged as Motive
According to Atiku, Kazaure’s arrest is politically motivated. He alleged the former legislator was targeted for his vocal criticism of the Tinubu administration, describing it as a misuse of state power to suppress dissent.
He noted that Kazaure was “abducted in Kano and whisked to Abuja,” where he is currently held incommunicado.
Constitutionality and Public Accountability Demanded
Atiku reminded the EFCC of its constitutional duty to either charge detainees to court or release them promptly. He warned that indefinite detention without explanation violates Nigeria’s constitutional safeguards and undermines public trust.
“The EFCC must respect human rights, disclose reasons for arrest, and stop trampling on constitutional liberties,” he added.
Call for Transparency and Fairness
He criticised the commission’s silence over Kazaure’s arrest, calling it evidence of the agency’s contempt for transparency and justice. Atiku alleged hypocrisy in the government’s tolerance of corruption among allies while clamping down on critics.
Final Word: Nigerians Are Watching
Atiku concluded with a warning that Nigerians are observing these actions and that history would judge such abuses harshly.
“This government’s hypocrisy is as staggering as it is shameless. But the Nigerian people are watching. And history will not forget.”
