Reps Minority Caucus requires the immediate release of a very dark man, … condemns his illegal possession by EFCC

Reps Minority Caucus requires the immediate release of Must Dark Man,

… condemns its illegal possession by EFCC

Abuja (basic reporter) The minority Caucus of the House of Representatives condemned the arrest and the continuous possession of an activist and social activist, Martins Otse, popularly known as Must Dark Man (VDM), from the Commission for economic and financial crimes (EFCC) in the strongest and continuous possession.

In a declaration jointly signed by the leaders of Hor Caucus, the representative Kingsley Chinda, leader, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ali. Minority Whip Isa JC, RT. Hon. Aliyu Madaki., Vice leader of minorities ,, rt. Hon. George Ozodinobi Vice Whip Minority Whip, opposition leaders have declared that:

“The disturbing tendency of security and law enforcement agencies that unfold their powers arbitrarily against citizens who exercise their rights to free expression represent serious threats to our democracy.

“We must clearly affirm that these acts, cloaked in the guise of the application, erod the trust of the public in the rule of law and undermine the principles of responsibility and transparency.

The Caucus insisted on the fact that: “The arrest of Mr. Otse who according to what reported has taken place without the issue of a mandate is a direct violation of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) which guarantees the freedom of the citizen, if not in accordance with the right law process. The arrest must be promptly informed of the reasons for their arrest and any accusations against them.

“The EFCC, like any other government agency, is bound by these constitutional provisions and must not act outside their limits.

“In addition, the continuous detention of Mr. Otse beyond the constitutionally admissible period from 24 to 48 hours without being accused in court is not only an abuse of power, but it is also a clear face to the principles of natural justice and fair hearing.

“The Constitution, pursuant to section 35 (4), provides that a person who is arrested or detained must be brought before a court of jurisprudence within a reasonable time, which, in the case of an arrest without a mandate, must not exceed two days.

“Any deviation from this is a violation of the fundamental rights of the citizen and a descent into illegality.

“As an opposition item in the National Assembly, the minority Caucus invites EFCC to immediately release Mr. Otse or to accuse him in court in accordance with the law.

“The arbitrary arrests and prolonged detentions of citizens to express dissenting or unpopular opinions must not have placed in a democratic society.

“The conservation of freedom, the right trial and respect for constitutional rights remain the foundation of our Republic. We will not remain lazily while state agencies abuse their powers to suppress the voices that challenge the status quo in line with the laws”, says the declaration.