Abaya vows to take legal action, demands public apology
The Ilorin branch of Nigeria Bar Association has condemned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over the unlawful arrest and rights violation of Mr. Sulyman Abaya Esq.
The bar chairman, Mr. Mohammed Akande, who spoke during a press conference in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital said the action of the Ilorin branch of the anti-graft agency is not only condemnable but also contravene the section of the Nigeria’s constitution that presumes everyone innocent unless proved guilty by court of law.
Akande disclosed that the association is ready to give every neccesary support in the pursue of justice and further caution the EFCC “to stop prosecuting accused persons in the court of public opinion by posting their pictures online and tagging them as criminals,”
Speaking ealier, Mr. Sulyman Abaya has vowed to take legal action against what he described as “despicable, unprofessional and dastard act” of the body.
Abaya revealed that he was forced at gunpoint to carry placards after initially refusing such request. “While at the EFCC custody, I clearly stated my story in connection with the case as narrated above but despite my explanations and notwithstanding that I was not confronted with any document I allegedly forged, or any allegation that I collected any amount of money from anybody or received any amount of money on behalf of anybody in connection with the case, the officers of EFCC threatened and forced me against my will to carry placard and took my photograph which they later uploaded on the internet,”
Explaining what led to his involvement in the court case, he said, “Sometimes in 2013, I was approached and briefed by a colleague, Mr. R.O. Salman, Esq. to take over the defence of a civil case in Suit No.: KWS/112/2010 filed by Alhaji Abdullahi Muhydeen Olojuku through his lawyer, Dr. D. A. Ariyoosu, Esq. against Engr. Tunji Adedoyin challenging him for the unlawful occupation of his land. The case was before Hon. Justice Haleemat Saleeman of High Court of Kwara State,”
“Sequel to the brief of R. O. Salman, Esq whom I verily believed had the brief of Engr. Adedoyin, I made some appearances in the case in the best interest of the Defendant (Engr. Adedoyin) and after a while, I was informed that parties had agreed to settle the matter out of court,”
Abaya continued, “Based on this information, I withdrew from the case and handed over the case file back to R. O. Salman, Esq. In fact, I did not partake in the settlement proceeding and I knew nothing about how the case was eventually settled,”
“Surprisingly, on 27/8/2019 and without prior invitation, I was arrested by the officers of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ilorin Zonal Office at the High Court premises, Ilorin and subsequently detained till the following day in their office,”
He further said, “I want to state categorically and contrary to the EFCC allegations that I did not conspire with anybody, impersonate anybody and or forge any document in order to defraud the said Pastor Adedoyin of his property at any point in my life. This fact can be confirmed from Mr. Victor Okoji, Esq who is said to be Engr. Adedoyin’s lawyer,”
“In all my life journey antedating my romance with legal practice which has run to twenty-five years now, I had always sought for myself contentment, integrity, uprightness, good name and fidelity to the tenets of my religion (Islam) and for those who know my personality traits, I had never craved for illegitimate wealth or unearned income. I have never been involved in any financial scam that may tarnish my highly cherished family name. I believe that all these virtues contributed to my victory when I contested for the office of Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ilorin branch in 2011 general election,”
Abaya consequently demanded for a public apology, “However, just on Friday 30/08/2019, EFCC officers and operatives involved in this dehumanization have started apologizing to me for disparaging my personality but I insisted and I still insist that they must apologize publicly,”
“I am convinced that since my release, the picture of my innocence has become clearer to the EFCC but the damage done me and my reputation by the actions of the overzealous officers of EFCC are incalculable, immeasurable and ought to be adequately redressed.”
Recall that the EFCC has accused Mr Sulaiman Abaya and two other lawyers in connection with allegations of conspiracy, forgery and obtaining money by false pretence.