We are taking steps to secure Fayose’s release, says Ozekhome

Mike Ozekhome, human rights lawyer, says efforts are in place to secure release of Ayodele Fayose, former governor of Ekiti state, from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) custody.

Ozekhome said this in an interview with NAN in Abuja on Thursday.

On Tuesday, Fayose reported at the EFCC office in Abuja to answer to some allegations levelled against him while in office as governor.

Ozekhome said “Fayose’s lawyers are already taking steps to enforce his fundamental human rights by getting him released. Yes, his lawyers will go to court to enforce his fundamental human rights.

“The EFCC has no right to keep him for over 24 hours. If they have done that by obtaining a Magistrate Court’s Order that will be in the form of “holding charge” which has been declared unconstitutional and illegal by the Supreme Court. Holding charge is illegal. It is unconstitutional.’’

Ozekhome said section of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) permitting a magistrate to detain a suspect for 14 days was illegal.

According to him, any action outside the provisions of section 35 of the constitution which specifically provides for 24 hours, is illegal and unconstitutional.

He explained that the ACJA allowed for detention of a suspect for 14 days, but that section 35 of the constitution made it clear that a person could only be detained for 24 hours.

“So, when there is a clash between the statute, like the ACJA, and the constitution, the constitution prevails by virtue of section 1(3),” he said.

“If they have an an order for two weeks from the magistrate court, it is unconstitutional.”