The Public Interest Lawyers League (PILL) has strongly condemned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for the unlawful arrest and continued detention of social activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM). In a statement issued on Monday by its President, Abdul Mahmud Esq, PILL accused the anti-graft agency of flouting constitutional provisions by arresting Otse without a warrant and holding him beyond the legally permissible timeframe without charging him to court.
According to PILL, the arrest of Otse, reportedly without a warrant and in a manner that lacks transparency, represents yet another instance of the growing disregard for constitutional safeguards that protect Nigerian citizens from arbitrary state action. The legal luminary group expressed concern that the EFCC was degenerating into an instrument of repression against dissenting voices rather than upholding justice.
Citing Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution, PILL noted that no person shall be deprived of liberty except in accordance with a procedure permitted by law. “It is unacceptable for any agency of state to act outside the law in its pursuit of alleged wrongdoers,” the statement read. “Arrests effected without a warrant and without informing the arrested individual of the reasons for such arrest violate not only constitutional provisions but also international human rights norms to which Nigeria is bound.”
PILL further criticized Otse’s continued detention beyond the 24 or 48-hour window required by the Constitution for arraignment before a court, calling it “a grave abuse of power and an affront to the rule of law.” “The Constitution was not made to be selectively obeyed,” Mahmud said, demanding the immediate release of Otse or his prompt arraignment before a competent court.
“Nigeria is a constitutional democracy, not a police state,” the group warned. “The use of state power to silence critical voices sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the democratic project.” PILL reaffirmed its solidarity with Nigerians who “speak truth to power” and pledged to continue defending citizens’ rights against what it described as the overreach of state authority.
The EFCC’s actions have sparked widespread outrage, with many Nigerians expressing concern about the agency’s increasing tendency to disregard constitutional provisions and human rights norms. The incident has also raised questions about the EFCC’s mandate and its role in promoting justice and accountability in Nigeria.
In a country where the rule of law is supposed to prevail, the EFCC’s actions are seen as a threat to democracy and the rights of citizens. The EFCC must be held accountable for its actions, and steps must be taken to ensure that the agency operates within the bounds of the law.
PILL’s statement is a timely reminder of the importance of upholding constitutional provisions and human rights norms in Nigeria. The group’s demand for Otse’s immediate release or prompt arraignment before a court is a call to action that must be heeded. The EFCC must respect the rights of citizens and operate within the law, rather than using its powers to silence critical voices.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the EFCC will respect the Constitution and uphold the rights of VeryDarkMan. One thing is certain, however: the eyes of the nation are on the EFCC, and its actions will have far-reaching consequences for democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria.
In conclusion, the EFCC’s unlawful arrest and detention of VeryDarkMan is a clear example of the agency’s disregard for constitutional provisions and human rights norms. PILL’s statement is a welcome development, and the group must continue to defend citizens’ rights against the overreach of state authority. The EFCC must be held accountable for its actions, and steps must be taken to ensure that the agency operates within the bounds of the law.
