Call Mount for Due Process in Detention of Kano Blogger Maryam Shehu
From Our Correspondent
Growing public concern has emerged over the reported continued detention of Kano-based blogger, Maryam Shehu, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), with supporters claiming she has remained in custody in Abuja for more than 30 days.
According to individuals working on her case, Shehu was reportedly arrested in Kano and later transferred to Abuja following allegations that she raised concerns about alleged corruption involving some officials of the anti-graft agency.
Her supporters maintain that she has not been accused of offences such as theft, fraud, money laundering, or any other economic or financial crime. They argue that her continued detention has raised questions among human rights advocates regarding due process and the protection of fundamental rights.
Supporters have also alleged that an EFCC official invited Shehu under the guise of a business proposal before her arrest in Kano and subsequent transfer to Abuja. These claims have not been independently verified.
Another issue highlighted by campaigners is their assertion that the EFCC is both the subject of the allegations made by Shehu and the agency responsible for investigating and detaining her. They contend that, in the interest of transparency and public confidence, any allegations involving officials of the agency should be investigated by an independent body.
The campaigners are therefore calling on the EFCC to either arraign Shehu before a court of competent jurisdiction if sufficient evidence exists that she committed an offence or release her if there is no lawful basis for her continued detention.
They have also appealed to human rights organisations and other relevant stakeholders to monitor the case and ensure that legal processes are followed.
Using the hashtag #FreeMaryamShehu, the campaigners insist that investigations should be conducted within the framework of the law and should not amount to punishment without trial.
Those handling Shehu’s legal case disclosed that court processes are being prepared to seek judicial intervention over her continued detention.
At the time of issuing this statement, the allegations surrounding Shehu’s arrest and detention had not been independently verified, and the EFCC had not publicly responded to the specific claims contained in the campaigners’ account.
