Barista Abba Hikima Fagge has called for the immediate release or prosecution of Maryam Shehu, a Kano-based journalist, who he alleged has been in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for more than 30 days without being arraigned before a court.
Fagge made the call in a statement published on his Facebook page, where he expressed concern over the continued detention of the journalist. According to him, Maryam was arrested in Kano and subsequently taken to Abuja after she allegedly raised corruption-related allegations against some EFCC officials.
The lawyer said Maryam was not accused of stealing, fraud, money laundering or any other economic and financial crime.
He therefore questioned the circumstances surrounding her continued detention and the failure to bring her before a competent court if the authorities believe she committed an offence.
Fagge also raised concerns about what he described as a possible conflict of interest in the matter, arguing that the EFCC appeared to be acting as the complainant, investigator and decision-maker in a case involving allegations against some of its own officials.
According to the lawyer, Maryam was allegedly lured through an EFCC official who offered her a business opportunity before she was eventually arrested in Kano and transported to Abuja.
He said the circumstances surrounding the arrest required transparency and an independent investigation.
Fagge stressed that if Maryam committed any offence, the appropriate procedure was to charge her before a competent court where she would have the opportunity to defend herself.
Conversely, he said, if there was no valid criminal allegation against her, she should be released immediately.
He further called for an independent investigation into the allegations made against the EFCC officials, arguing that such an investigation would help establish the facts and prevent any abuse of institutional powers.
The lawyer disclosed that legal documents relating to the matter were currently being prepared, while urging human rights organisations to intervene urgently and monitor the situation to ensure that Maryam’s fundamental rights were protected.
Fagge concluded by emphasising that investigation should not be treated as punishment. “Investigation is not conviction,” he said, insisting that Maryam should either be released or brought before a court to face any charges against her in accordance with the law.
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