Release GEJ’s cousin now, Nigerians tell EFCC
– Goodluck Jonathan’s cousin, Azibaola Robert is in EFCC custody even though there are reports he had executed his contract successfully
– Azibaola Robert who is the nephew of Goodluck Jonathan was arrested by EFCC
– He has been in detention without trial
– Political analysts say the detention is unlawful
Following the continuous detention of Azibaola Robert, the managing director of Kakatar Engineering limited, more Nigerians have come out to call for the release of the foremost entrepreneur, who is a nephew of ex-president Goodluck Jonathan.
It was reported that on Wednesday, March 17, some operatives of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) arrested Azibaola along with his wife and executive director of projects of his firm after he honoured an invitation by the commission.
The officers did not say why they were arresting him. According to reports, Azibaola was immediately taken to detention and has been held there for more than two weeks without formal charges.
READ ALSO: EFCC fixes date for Jonathan’s arrest – source
Speaking on the unlawful arrest and detention of the entrepreneur, a public affairs commentator, Henry Omoregie condemned the action by the anti-graft body.
He added that it is a deliberate attempt to distract the public from the poor level of governance. “I think it is an unnecessary distraction from the glaring failure of governance. Of course the soul that sinneth should not go unpunished.
“But this case is clearly, as things stand, sheer impunity. If the security contract in question was actually carried out without hitches, why hold the contractor in detention? “Why seek for details of execution when the contract was actually executed? I also understand that Mr Robert is ex-President Jonathan’s cousin.
“The selective justice we are witnessing has become too conspicuous for even the least informed to see.
“First it was his CSO, detained, then released; then his ADC detained and released. In fact the latter has sued the FG for illegality. This has become a charade. The courts should hear people out no matter the cases involved. We are not in a military dictatorship where things are done arbitrarily. Selective justice is actually corruption,” he said.
Also reacting on the issue, the spokesperson of the foremost Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide, Eric Omare, who is also a political analyst, stated that as a legal practitioner Azibola should be treated as a Nigerian who is entitled to fundamental human rights.
He said: “Robert is a citizen of the federal republic of Nigeria. The security agency that has kept him in incarceration is a creation of law and subject to the laws of the federal republic of Nigeria and therefore ought to follow due process of law in carrying out their functions.
“The constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria which is the supreme law in Nigeria requires that when a person is arrested for any others apart from capital offences, the person must be taken to court within 24 or 48 hours where there is a court such as the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja where Mr. Azibola Robert is being held.”
READ ALSO: Release our son – Jonathan’s kinsmen to EFCC
Meanwhile, reports have it that Azibaola’s arrest might be an exercise in the renewed efforts by the EFCC to arrest former president Goodluck Jonathan following recent statements by Femi Adesina, the special adviser to President Buhari on media and publicity, who disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari will not spare anyone including Jonathan in the fight against corruption.
Adeshina said President Buhari is not shielding Jonathan from prosecution, saying: “People who say that don’t know this president. He shields nobody. Anybody that needs to be asked question can be asked question.”
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