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Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana urges DSS to speed up Emefiele, Bawa probe

Published

3 years ago

July 1, 2023

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Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has urged the Department of State Services to hasten the investigation into the cases involving the suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Abdulrasheed Bawa, and the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele.

Emefiele was arrested on June 10 by officials of the DSS over charges surrounding terrorism financing, while Bawa was arrested over allegations of abuse of office.

Falana made the call while featuring on Channels TV’s Politics Today programme on Friday night

He said, “Under the administration of Criminal Justice Act if you’re going to detain a Nigerian beyond 24 hours in places where there are no courts within a radius of 40km{like Lagos and Abuja), you’re required to approach a Magistrate court to ask for a remand order to allow for investigation.”

Falana said that even if the DSS has obtained a court order to detain Emefiele and Bawa, the order cannot last for long.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria urged the Nigerian government to handle the cases in line with the provisions of the law to avoid a situation whereby loopholes are exploited.

“As far as I’m concerned, investigations should be speedily conducted, more so where allegations are made. I do not expect any delay in the investigation of the very serious allegation that has been made,” he mentioned.

“In the case of Emefiele, the State Security Services last year alleged his involvement in terrorism financing. Please, quickly do something about that. With respect to money laundering and other offences, take them to the appropriate agencies of the government.

“In the case of Mr Bawa, we haven’t been told the offences he committed. I cannot speak very confidently with respect to the gentleman except to ask the government or the agencies involved to speed up an investigation and have them arraigned if they are indicted.”

The SAN stressed that if the appropriate legal procedures aren’t met to keep them in detention, the duo should be granted bail.

Related Topics:Bawa DSS Emefiele Femi Falana Probe

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Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day 2026, in picture

Remembering the fallen heroes and the living soldiers

Published

9 hours ago

January 15, 2026

OCHEFA

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Location: Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Thursday, 15 January, 2026

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FG releases Senator Akpoti- Uduagan”s travel document after withdrawal of defamation charges

Today’s outcome affirms my belief in the rule of law. I remain committed to serving my constituents and defending the democratic rights of all Nigerians,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said.

Published

9 hours ago

January 15, 2026

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• Senator Natasha Akpoti- Uduagan feeling happy in the court room.

‎Following the Senate president ‘s Goodwill Akpabio ‘s New Year forgiveness, the Federal Government on Thursday officially withdrawn the criminal charges of defamation levelled against Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The government, through the Attorney General’s office, discontinued the case

at the High Court in Abuja.

‎The AGF had filed a notice of discontinuance on 12 December 2025.
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Justice Chizoba Orji , during Thursday’s proceedings, struck out the suit and discharged the defendant.
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‎The trial judge also made further orders releasing the Senator’s travel papers as well the title deeds of her sureties.
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‎This ends a protracted legal battle that began in July 2025, sparked by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s public accusations against Akpabio during Senate plenary sessions.
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‎The withdrawal caps months of litigation that caused a rift in the 10th Senate and fueled debates on political accountability versus personal vendettas.

Reacting, senator Akpoti- Uduagan said that the development vindicated her position and reaffirmed her confidence in the rule of law.

“Today’s outcome affirms my belief in the rule of law. I remain committed to serving my constituents and defending the democratic rights of all Nigerians,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said.

She expressed gratitude to her legal team, constituents, and supporters for their steadfast backing throughout the legal process.

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Delta Governor Oborevwori gifts 65 SUVs to traditional rulers

In response, the Chairman of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers and the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, HRM Major General Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd.), Orhue I, described the gesture as a timely and symbolic intervention that strengthens grassroots governance and peace-building across the state.

Published

16 hours ago

January 15, 2026

OCHEFA

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•Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori

The Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has presented 65 brand new Sports Utility Vehicles, SUVs, to traditional rulers across the state.

During the presentation of the 60 brand new Prados and five Land Cruisers to the beneficiaries, Oborevwori described traditional fathers as “tools of service” for guardians of peace and stability.

Governor Oborevwori said that the decision to provide rugged SUVs was deliberate, given the rural and difficult terrains in which many traditional rulers operate.

He emphasised that traditional rulers are not merely custodians of customs, norms and traditions but vital intermediaries between government and the people at the grassroots.

Oborevwori explained that the state’s traditional rulers have made governance easier and more effective for him.

He assured the governor of the traditional institution’s unwavering support for his administration.