Release Bawa or charge him to court, MURIC tells DSS – Newstrends
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Release Bawa or charge him to court, MURIC tells DSS

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2 years ago

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Former Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), AbdulRasheed Bawa

Release Bawa or charge him to court, MURIC tells DSS

An Islamic human rights organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has called on men of the Department of State Services (DSS) to set the former boss of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), AbdulRasheed Bawa, free or charge him to court.

The group made the call on Thursday in a press statement signed by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola and made available to Newsbreak Nigeria.

The full statement reads: “Abdul Rasheed Bawa, former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has been in detention since 14th June, 2023, without any explanation whatsoever.

“This is contrary to the letter and spirit of Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which guarantees fair hearing in compliance with the judicial principle of audi alterem partem (i.e. hear from both sides to a case before taking a decision). Nigerians are yet to hear from the former EFCC boss. Neither have they heard from his lawyers.

“There should be no detention without trial in a democracy. It stands in contradistinction to Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which says inter alia, ‘Every citizen of Nigeria is entitled to move freely throughout Nigeria and to reside in any part thereof…’.

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“Article 7(b) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights also stipulates the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court or tribunal. To that extent, therefore, it must be assumed that Bawa is innocent.

“MURIC demands that he should be set free or brought to court where his charges will be read to him. He should also be allowed to see his lawyer, his personal doctor and key members of his family.

“If Godwin Emefiele, who traumatized all Nigerians for months, could be arraigned in court twice since his arrest, we wonder what special crime Bawa committed to have warranted his indefinite detention. Could it be because the former CBN governor has access to a bottomless pit of foreign and local currencies and he could therefore engage the best lawyers in the land while Bawa, a young aspiring Nigerian, cannot afford lawyers’ huge fees?

“MURIC, therefore, demands the enforcement of Allah-given fundamental human rights of AbdulRasheed Bawa. He should be set free or arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction where he can be granted bail.

“Our vision of Nigeria is that of a land where every man or woman is free from institutional, societal and individual coercion, a land where tyranny, oppression, injustice as well as political and socio-economic marginalization become history.”

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FG okays closure of Independence Bridge in Lagos from Wednesday 

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15 hours ago

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March 17, 2025

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FG okays closure of Independence Bridge in Lagos from Wednesday 

By Dada Jackson

 

The Federal Ministry of Works has informed the motoring public of the closure of the Independence Bridge (Marina bound) in Lagos, commencing on Wednesday, March 19th, 2025.

It said in a statement on Monday that the closure was necessary to facilitate essential maintenance and rehabilitation work on the bridge.

The closure will affect people travelling from the Ahmadu Bello Way & Adeola Odeku Road towards Marina, Eko Bridge and Onikan by Zone 2, according to the statement.

The independence bridge would remain closed until the end of May 2025 for the repairs, it added.

Motorists are therefore advised to plan their journeys accordingly and seek alternative routes, it stated.

“The Federal Ministry of Works apologizes for any inconvenience this closure may cause and appreciates the public’s understanding and cooperation as we strive to ensure the safety and stability of our road infrastructure,” the statement signed by the Federal Controller of Works for Lagos, Engr. (Mrs) O I Kesha, said.

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Lagos, MTN Nigeria unveil “My Lagos App”

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20 hours ago

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March 17, 2025

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Lagos, MTN Nigeria unveil “My Lagos App”

The Lagos State government, in collaboration with MTN Nigeria, has launched the ‘My Lagos App’ aimed at making urban living in the state more seamless and efficient. The app was unveiled at MTN Plaza, Ikoyi, Lagos in a bid to make urban life in the city seamless and easy.

The app is designed to provide a range of features that enhance various activities, promoting economic growth, accountability, transparency, and real-time updates.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, highlighted the importance of this digital solution in a rapidly growing city like Lagos. The app serves as a vital link between the government and citizens, promoting accountability, transparency, and real-time updates.

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“The app is a comprehensive digital solution that provides seamless access to essential city services, including real-time traffic updates, personalised navigation, emergency services, utility payment services, business listings, and tourism information; the app will serve as a vital link between the the government and the citizens, it simplifies access to public services, promotes accountability and transparency, provide real time update,”Mr Governor said

Sanwo- Olu emphasised the importance of such collaboration between the government and private sectors, adding that “this partnership exemplifies the power of synergy between the Public and private sectors in driving meaningful progress.”

The governor encouraged Lagos residents to make use of this platform “as we are now in the digital age as technology is no longer luxury but necessity “I urge everyone in Lagos to embrace this app, download it, explore its features and fully utilize the services that it offers,” he said.

Lagos, MTN Nigeria unveil “My Lagos App”

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TUC backs NYSC member for criticising Tinubu administration

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21 hours ago

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March 17, 2025

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Corps member, Ushie Uguamaye

TUC backs NYSC member for criticising Tinubu administration

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has expressed support for Ushie Uguamaye, a Lagos-based National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, who has claimed to have received threats after criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

TUC President, Festus Osifo, speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, backed Uguamaye’s stance, suggesting that her comments were born out of frustration. Osifo urged the government to show tolerance toward critics rather than target them.

He emphasized the importance of allowing room for constructive criticism, which is vital for a healthy democracy.

However, Osifo also advised critics to maintain a level of decorum and ensure their critiques are within acceptable norms, promoting respectful dialogue and fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect.

He said, “They (government) have to develop this resilience to understand that people are frustrated, people are hungry, people are tired. So, if they decide to vent, I strongly believe that the government should not personalise it and come after such individuals.

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“Imagine a young lady carrying out her NYSC function, what does she really have to do to bring down government? So, it is about personal frustration that she has aired.

“So, I think that the government has to persevere much more, they have to be more tolerant, and they have to have this deep level of patience with Nigerians because people are passing through a lot as it stands today.”

Raye, a corps member serving in Lagos, recently made headlines after a video she posted criticising government policies went viral.

She later claimed to have faced threats, reportedly from NYSC officials, pressuring her to take down the video.

In the video posted on her TikTok account #talktoraye on Saturday, Raye voiced frustration over Nigeria’s deteriorating economic situation, lamenting that hard work no longer guarantees financial stability.

She criticised Tinubu’s leadership, calling him a “terrible leader,” and questioned the government’s commitment to easing citizens’ hardships.

However, the NYSC has yet to release an official statement regarding the issue.

 

TUC backs NYSC member for criticising Tinubu administration

(Punch)

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