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LEPAN says EFCC arrest of blogger is abuse of power

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The League of Progressives Ambassadors of Nigeria (LEPAN), has described as a threat to freedom of speech, the recent arrest of a blogger, Abubakar Sidiq by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Sidiq who regained freedom on Tuesday evening, was arrested and detained beyond 24 hours for an offence EFCC, in a statement by its spokesman, Mr Wilson Uwujaren, tagged cyberstalking.

His blog, Abusidiqu.com, had published a report titled, ‘EFCC boss, Magu, commences total war with core EFCC staff’ on August 2, 2016.

But LEPAN, in a statement by its President, Adewunmi Emoruwa, joined numerous other Nigerians to condemn the arrest, saying the arrest of Mr Sidiq remains a threat to free speech and abuse of power.

The group said it was not happy with how government responded to the issue as it said, “In a democracy, the rule of law and impartial justice is the defence of a legal citizen. The adherence to the separation of powers and due respect of constitutional human rights should be the pursuit of a legitimate government.

“The arrest of Abubakar Usman Sidiq in the early hours of Monday August 8, 2016, has further alienated the people from the government, which ought to be more focused on fostering trust.”

Read also: EFCC finally releases blogger Sidiqu after 24 hours in detention

LEPAN noted that government by the act of the arrest has acted in a reckless and unlawful manner on several counts.

“Violation of the rule of law as section 45 sub-section 1 of the Cybercrimes act clearly states the process to arrest and detaining alleged offenders. Violation of the freedom of expression by impeding on M Sidiq right to express his opinions according to Section 39 sub-section 1 of the Nigerian constitution.

“Violation of jurisdiction as Section 6 and 7 of the Economic and financial Crimes commission establishment act of 2004 clearly outlines the powers of the commission. This is a threat to the fundamental rights of every Nigerian to free speech and it must be duly addressed,” the group said.

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