MURIC makes request from FG as court sentences EFCC boss

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) on Wednesday responded to the conviction of Abdulrasheed Bawa, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to Kuje correctional facilities for contempt of court, pending the setting aside of the order.

MURIC, however, called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to probe the situations surrounding the ‘ugly’ development.

The Islamic group’s call for an investigation was contained in a statement by its director, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

The statement partly read: “The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), AbdulRasheed Bawa, was yesterday sent to Kuje prison for contempt of court.

“We are surprised by this judgement. We are, therefore, inclined to take the ruling with a pinch of salt.

“Without prejudice to the wisdom and authority of the learned judge, we posit that the circumstances surrounding the ugly development should be investigated by the Minister of Justice.

“The Honourable Minister of Justice [Alhaji Abubakar Malami] should investigate this with minimum delay. There must be checks and balances on all sides.”

Justice Chizoba Oji of a High Court in Maitama, Abuja, ruled that Bawa failed to obey an order of November 21, 2018.

The court had instructed the return of seized assets comprising the sum of N40million and a Range Rover.