The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has condemned the arrest and continued detention of social campaigner and activist, Martins Otse, popularly known as Very Dark Man (VDM) by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In a statement jointly signed by the leaders of the House of Representatives minority caucus, led by the Minority Leader, Rep Kingsley Chinda, the opposition awmakers deplored the disturbing trend of security and law enforcement agencies using their powers arbitrarily against citizens exercising their rights to free expression.
The House minority caucus declared that such acts by security agencies, cloaked in the guise of enforcement, erode public confidence in the rule of law and undermine the principles of accountability and transparency.
“The arrest of Mr. Otse which reportedly took place without the issuance of a warrant is a direct violation of the 1999 Constitution, that guarantees the liberty of the citizen except in accordance with the due process of law.
“Sections 35(1) and 35(3) of the constitution stipulate the conditions under which a person may be deprived of their liberty and require that any person arrested must be informed promptly of the reasons for their arrest and any charges against them.
“The EFCC, like every other agency of government, is bound by these constitutional provisions and must not act outside their bounds.
“Moreover, the continued detention of Mr. Otse beyond the constitutionally permissible period of 24 to 48 hours without being charged to court is not only an abuse of power, it is also a blatant affront to the principles of natural justice and fair hearing,” the caucus said.
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It reminded the EFCC that the constitution, under Section 35(4), provides that a person who is arrested or detained must be brought before a court of law within a reasonable time, which, in the case of an arrest without a warrant, should not exceed two days.
“Any deviation from this is a breach of the citizen’s fundamental rights and a descent into lawlessness.
“As the voice of the opposition in the National Assembly, the minority caucus calls on the EFCC to immediately release Mr. Otse or charge him to court in accordance with the law.
“Arbitrary arrests and prolonged detentions of citizens for expressing dissenting or unpopular views must have no place in a democratic society.
“The preservation of liberty, due process, and respect for constitutional rights remain the bedrock of our republic.
“We will not stand idly by while state agencies abuse their powers to suppress voices that challenge the status quo in line with the laws,” the House members stated.
