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Daniel being held under inhuman conditions, subjected to
gruesome Interrogations
By Yemi Oke, PhD Press
statement Newsdiaryonline Tue Oct 11,2011
As it is generally known, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, former Governor
of Ogun State, was taken into custody on Thursday October 6,
2011 by officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC. Since then under the guise of investigating
allegations contained in
petitions written against him, the former governor has been
detained at the EFCC facility in Abuja under unbearable
conditions. In the last four days he has been subjected to
gruesome interrogations by operatives of the commission.
Under normal circumstances, Otunba Daniel should have been
arraigned in court since he has spent more than the required
period specified by law in detention. But at the time of issuing
this statement, he has not been arraigned in court and no charge
has been preferred against him. Yet he is being detained and his
fundamental human rights curtailed for no just cause. Only his
wife is allowed access to him.
This morning the EFCC has been served with court processes by
Otunba Gbenga Daniel’s lawyers led by Professor Taiwo Osipitan,
SAN and Mr. Tayo Oyetibo, SAN seeking to enforce his fundamental
human rights. This has been ignored by the agency. This
disposition of the EFCC has left us with no alternative than to
conclude that there are other motives for the continued
detention of Otunba Daniel other than the investigation of an
alleged crime. Otherwise he should have been admitted to
administrative bail or formally charged to court. Because of the
worsening condition under which he is being held and the
curtailment of his fundamental rights, the former governor has
declined food and medication, which has raised serious concern
about his health.
It is noteworthy to point out that one of Otunba Daniel’s
interrogators, in an unguarded moment, blurted out that the case
against him would not have gotten to this level if he had begged
a former president of the country whom he said was behind Otunba
Daniel’s travails.
We therefore call on all men and women of goodwill to prevail on
the EFCC to allow the rule of law to prevail by either releasing
the former governor or charge him to court. These are the only
two options known to law.
Yemi Oke, PhD
Counsel to Otunba Gbenga Daniel
October 11, 2011
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