The GICN, alleging that the Nigeria Police is colluding with persons accused of corrupt practices and attempting to silence Whistleblowers, in a press statement signed by its Director of Publicity and Mobilisation, Dr. Adebayo Lion Ogorry faulted the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi for declaring their President, Mr Edward Omaga wanted for exposing the corrupt practices GTBank
The CSO further accused the Police of acting illegally, outside the scope of due process, by watch-listing the International Passport of Mr Edward Omaga, blocking his bank accounts and finally declaring him wanted in the media on Monday, Dec 30, 2024 without any accusations against him
"No doubt, the present ordeal of Barr. Edward Omaga in the hands of the Nigeria Police reflects a typical scenario where corruption fights back with vigour. In a country like Nigeria where those in power can easily manipulate the system to protect their interests. It is not uncommon for whistleblowers and activists to find themselves on the receiving end of threats, intimidation, and in some cases, prosecution.
"The allegations contained in the GICN’s report are not trivial; They concern the integrity of one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions and its top executives. In any functioning democracy, such allegations would prompt a serious and independent investigation to ascertain their veracity or otherwise", the GICN asserted in the release
It also explained that feeling threatened by the actions of the Police, they had filed court cases to wit: (i) GICN Vs. CBN & 7 Ors. - Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1549/2024; (ii) GICN Vs. IGP - Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/742/24, Edward Omaga Vs. DIG & 6 Ors. - Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1588/24; And (iii) Edward Omaga v. Inspector General Of Police & 2 Ors. - Suit No. CV/5181/2024.
Dailyledger.ng.com reports that the GICN had on Oct 3, 2024 taken a bold step in the fight against corruption by presenting a Private Investigation Report to the media, and to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP on the illegal activities of GTBank before submitting same to various crime fighting agencies in Nigeria, UK, USA and Ghana.
The GICN in its statement expressed shock that the Police rather than instigate further investigations into the allegations, chose to allow itself to be compromised by Mr Segun Julius Agbaje, the Group CEO of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO Plc), owners of GTBank and descended heavily on Omaga and members of his group.
"Rather than call the group to write a statement in support of the report, the Police acting through DCP Ibrahim Zungura sent an invitation letter dated Oct. 10, 2024 to Barr. Edward Omaga, asking him to come and answer questions connected to his commission of the offences of Criminal Defamation; Cyberbullying; Economic Sabotage, and Conduct likely to Cause a Breach of Public Peace. This is nothing short of an attempt to make the hunter become the hunted" the organisation lamented.
The CSO averred that It is only after the allegations, together with documents supplied, are confirmed through forensic analysis to be false that the whistleblower can be held liable for criminal defamation. "We submit that the method adopted by the Police to tackle this serious issue suggests a deliberate attempt to bury the truth and silence those seeking justice.
"Furthermore, the charges of Criminal Defamation and Cyberbullying being levied against the whistleblower are nothing but smokescreens designed to intimidate him. It is a clear way of suppressing his right to free speech guaranteed under Section 39 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria; The United Nations Declaration of Human Rights; The African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights and other international human rights instruments. This approach reveals a broader problem in the system - one where the rule of law is often applied selectively, depending on whose interests are at stake.
"The very essence of democracy is the ability of citizens to hold leaders and institutions accountable. When the Police or any other law enforcement agency starts wielding defamation charges as weapon, it undermines the principles of transparency and accountability. This is not just about the specific case against GTB, it is a broader issue of governance and justice in Nigeria. The fact that the Police, whose role is to investigate crimes, are now being used to shield those accused of misconduct speaks volumes about the state of the nation"
The GICN further urged the Police to explain how exposing potential corruption within a private financial institution amount to economic sabotage?
It argued that some of the charges against Omaga appears to be a veiled attempt to criminalize activism, and declared the case as a wake-up call for all Nigerians, particularly lawyers, anti-corruption crusaders, and lovers of justice.
"This is a clarion call to stand in solidarity with whistleblowers and activists who risk their lives and livelihoods to expose corruption. Nigeria cannot progress if its citizens are afraid to speak out against wrongdoing for fear of victimization.
"The case of corruption fighting back is not new, but it is one that we must continually resist. The power of the people when united is greater than the people in power. As long as there are those willing to speak out against injustice, there will always be hope for a better Nigeria. We call on other sister Civil Society Organizations and Media Outfits to join us in this campaign for justice. Today, it is Barr. Edward Omaga being hunted down, tomorrow it could be any other citizen of Nigeria
"The law is meant to protect the weak from the excesses of the powerful, not the other way round. When the Police, which is an institution entrusted with enforcing the law, starts misusing its powers to protect the corrupt, the entire system of governance is at risk. This is not the Nigeria that our founding fathers envisioned. We must all rise to the occasion and demand accountability from those in power.
"The fight against corruption is not an easy one, but it is one that must be fought if Nigeria is to achieve its full potential. We cannot afford to let the powerful silence the voices of truth and justice. The Police must be called to order, and the investigation into the allegations against GTB must proceed without further delay", it affirmed
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