Human rights activist and politician Omoyele Sowore has disclosed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has terminated charges against two young Nigerians, including a student of Bayero University Kano (BUK), Maryam Isah Shehu.
Sowore made this known in a statement posted on social media on Friday, following his earlier complaint over what he described as the violation of the rights of the two individuals.
According to him, the development followed his personal observation of the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention, which he described as an “egregious violation” of their rights.
Sowore, however, said the termination of the charges had not immediately resulted in their release because the Federal High Court judge handling the matter, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, had not sat during the day.
He said the delay was particularly concerning because Shehu, a BUK student, was expected to commence her final examinations the following day.
“Unfortunately, the Federal High Court judge who sat yesterday and remanded them in Kuje and Suleja prisons respectively has not sat all day today, so their release is still being delayed,” Sowore stated.
He expressed relief that the EFCC had eventually withdrawn the charges, saying, “We are glad that wisdom finally prevailed at the @officialEFCC.”
Sowore also acknowledged the efforts of lawyers and activists who intervened in the matter and worked towards securing the freedom of the two Nigerians.
He specifically thanked human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, who he said intervened despite being on vacation in Paris, as well as lawyers Abbah Hikima and Hamza N. Dantani.
He also commended other legal practitioners on the ground, particularly Chimela, Esq., for their efforts in preparing the necessary paperwork for the release of the detainees.
“Human rights attorneys @Abbahikima and Hamza N Dantani; and all the lawyers on the ground, particularly Chimela, Esq who have not rested all day, working tirelessly on the necessary paperwork to secure their freedom,” he said.
The activist further disclosed that the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) had visited the Federal High Court to show solidarity and support for Shehu.
Sowore appreciated the students’ body for its intervention, describing the support as significant in the effort to secure the student’s release.
He appealed to Justice Abdulmalik to sit, even briefly, to enable Shehu to regain her freedom and attend her final examinations.
“We sincerely hope that Justice Joyce Abdulmalik will still show up and sit, even briefly, today so that Maryam can regain her freedom and commence her final examinations tomorrow,” he said.
Sowore also urged Bayero University Kano authorities to consider the circumstances if Shehu was unable to sit for any of her examinations because of her detention.
He called on the university to allow her to rewrite any examination she might miss as a result of the legal situation.
“An injustice against one is an injustice against all,” Sowore declared, adding, “No one shall be left behind!”
The development comes amid continued calls from civil society groups and rights advocates for due process and protection of citizens’ fundamental rights during arrests and prosecutions.