During an interview with ARISE NEWS on Monday, lawyer David Maduka said that the EFCC can be more civil in its handling of Yahaya Bello’s case. He mentioned this while highlighting concerns over the aggressive tactics employed during the EFCC’s visit to Bello’s residence.
“The way EFCC had gone about this matter, can send fear to anybody. EFCC can be civil, more civil in going about this, instead of making a show of aggression or harassment about this matter. Why that show of force? Why that violence? Why so much aggression towards getting him arrested? That would send fear to any reasonable person.“
Maduka’s words of criticism towards the EFCC came after he had earlier questioned the EFCC’s approach in handling Bello’s case, emphasising the absence of formal invitations or due process.
“Has EFCC done the thing they are supposed to do? If someone is not close to you, the law requires that you invite the person. There is no document anywhere to show that Yahaya Bello was invited. He has challenged them to put up such an invitation if they have any. Another way you can bring a suspect before you, is by an arrest. The law says an arrest is sufficient if you place your hand on the person you intend to arrest or there is due communication. But in this case, there is none. There is no formal document.
“You can ask somebody to appear, send him a clear invitation, allow him to come. You have not even written to him properly, though you said the court proceedings have settled the fact that he was invited, but there is no document. That is what his side is still saying. No document saying “come before us and appear”. That document can be used against him if he refuses to appear.”
The lawyer also highlighted that Bello’s counsel made it clear during a previous court proceeding that Bello is willing to appear in court but the EFCC’s aggressive actions have triggered Yahaya Bello to protect his right to liberty.
“The proceedings at the court last week, his counsel made it clear that his client is willing to appear before the court, but his fear and concern is the way and manner the operatives of the EFCC are going about it. His fear is that his liberty is being threatened, that it appears there is something going on other than just inviting him to appear before the EFCC. He is willing to appear before the court.”
Melissa Enoch
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