8th March, 2011
A Nigerian lawyer based in the U.S., Mr. Emeka Ugwuonye, on Monday filed a suit in the Abuja High Court, asking for the enforcement of his fundamental human rights.
Ugwuonye, through his counsel, Mr. Micheal Ugwuanyi, is asking for an order declaring that his arrest, continued detention and torture by the EFCC and SSS from Feb. 12 to date was unlawful, unconstitutional, illegal and a gross violation of his fundamental rights.
The EFCC is accusing Ugwuonye of withholding 1.350 million dollars as refunds to the country arising from the sale of some state properties in the U.S. Ugwuonye was accused of not remitting the said amount after he claimed that it was used to pay tax on the properties. Investigations by the EFCC revealed, however, that diplomatic missions are not liable to pay tax in the U.S.
He also wants the court to hold that his continued detention by the operatives of the EFCC was a violation of his right to freedom of movement and right to dignity as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution.
Ugwuonye also wants an order directing that the EFCC and the SSS unconditionally release him from their custody forthwith.