'Let The Rule Of Law Prevail' - Gbenga Daniel's Lawyer Tells EFCC
Following the arraignment of former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the High Court sitting in Abeokuta over alleged fraud, Counsel to the ex-governor, Yemi Oke has issued a
statement, calling on the EFCC to either allow the rule of law prevail or release him.
According to the statement titled 'Daniel being held under inhuman conditions, subjected to gruesome interrogations' and made available to huhuonline.com, the embattled governor's counsel said: '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. '