Says SSS Has No Grounds to Hold Bawa

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana SAN has called for the immediate release of EFCC Chairman Abdulrasheed Bawa from DSS custody. In a statement, Falana said the detention order relied upon by DSS to hold Bawa has expired, leaving no legal basis for his continued detention.

Falana asserted that since Bawa has not been charged with any criminal offense, he should be released by the DSS. He argued that the remand order authorizing Bawa’s detention has become invalid after 67 days, exceeding the 56-day limit under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

Citing Nigeria’s constitution, Falana contended no magistrate has powers to order over 2 months of detention without trial. He insisted the DSS has no grounds to continue holding Bawa under an illegal order.

While acknowledging Bawa’s past disregard for court orders, Falana maintained government must respect his rights. He advocated the DSS and Justice Ministry’s prosecutor treat Bawa lawfully as a lesson that public officials are not above the law.

Reports indicate Bawa is being probed for alleged financial improprieties during his EFCC leadership. Falana maintains his prolonged detention without charges is unlawful.

The reworked version focuses on Falana’s legal arguments and demands in clear, concise language. It removes repetitive details to emphasize the key issues of unlawful detention and expired remand order. Let me know if you would like me to modify or expand the reworked text further.