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Nairaland Forum / Nairaland / General / Politics / Treasury Looters Should Rot In Jail They Don't Deserve Bail- Falana (10624 Views)
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Treasury Looters Should Rot In Jail They Don't Deserve Bail- Falana by neolboy(m): 7:03am On Apr 01, 2016 |
A Lagos-based lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), says politically-exposed persons facing corruption charges do not deserve bail. “Since victims of grand corruption including armed robbery and kidnap suspects are not usually admitted to bail, those who are charged with looting the treasury should no longer be granted bail,” Falana said. While expressing worry that many of the ongoing high profile corruption cases may not be concluded before 2019 when President Muhammadu Buhari would have finished his term, Falana also made a case for the creation of special courts. The activist lawyer expressed these views in a paper he delivered on Thursday at the roundtable on anti-corruption war convened by the Department of Jurisprudence and International Law, University of Lagos, where he was the keynote speaker. The roundtable, which was chaired by the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee against Corruption, Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN), had a former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, Dr. Femi Aribisala and Dr. Ayo Obe as discussants. In his paper titled, “Rule of Law and Treatment of Politically-exposed corruption cases,” delivered on his behalf by Mr. Wahab Shittu, Falana said if the Buhari government did not undertake an urgent reform of the criminal justice system, including creating special courts, its anti-corruption war efforts would amount to nothing. He also took a swipe at the Nigerian Bar Association and the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, who had called on Buhari to respect the rule of law, saying they were not sincere. He said, “The Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria has urged the government to fight corruption under the rule of law. On its own part the NBA has censored the Federal Government for violating the human rights of certain suspects. But neither the BOSAN nor the NBA has deemed it fit to caution the members of the legal profession who are determined to frustrate the prosecution of corruption cases. “As far as both bodies are concerned, human rights are the exclusive reserve of the bourgeois. Hence, the tenets of the rule of law are only invoked when the trial of VIPs is involved, while human rights are violated in Nigeria when the looters of the treasury are arrested and detained for a few days without trial.” Falana wondered why BOSAN and NBA did not talk of human rights when “70 soldiers were recently tried in camera, convicted and sentenced to death for demanding weapons to fight the well-armed terrorists,” and why the two bodies were not bothered about the plight of “40,000 out of the 52,000 prison inmates who are awaiting trial under dehumanising conditions.” In his opening remarks, Sagay lamented that highly-placed Nigerians who were once celebrated are now the same set of people being exposed as “looters, bandits and locusts.” “I fear that Nigerians may become so sated with this daily diet of financial brigandry that they may no longer feel shocked, disturbed, angered and determined to see justice served on the guilty and their stolen property recovered,” Sagay said. He linked the daily woes of the country in form of poverty, poor roads, poor power supply, poor health care and so on to corruption. Ezekwesili, Aribisala and Obe advised the Federal Government to put in place measures that could deter corruption. Also speaking on Thursday at the special congress and public lecture organised by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, chapter, Falana said judges who granted frivolous perpetual injunctions in cases of corruption and lawyers who filed for such injunctions were scuttling the anti-corruption war in the country. Falana, who was the guest lecturer at the event, also attended by the President of ASUU, Isa Fagge, noted that the neo-colonialist nature of capitalism being practised in the country had produced a set of wealthy Nigerians who “are bigger than the nation’s laws.” He said, “The criminal justice system has been hijacked by the corrupt and looters of the public treasury and their lawyers. It is only in Nigeria that an accused will ask his trial to be suspended. “Many of the governors who faced corruption charges, their lawyers had asked for their trial to be suspended, and judges granted this. How would a lawyer also plead with a judge that a criminal should not be arrested? “Someone who stole millions of naira getting perpetual injunction not to be arrested and prosecuted, lawyers must allow cases to go on.” Falana, who spoke on the topic: ‘The limits of anti-corruption law’ said there was nothing close to equality before the law in the country, as the wealthy and influential Nigerians get lighter punishment while the commoners get stiffer penalties in the criminal system. He said, “In Edo State, someone was sentenced to three years imprisonment for stealing bush meat, another one who stole handset in Osun State was also sentenced to seven years imprisonment. “But corrupt public officials prefer to be remanded in Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s custody or being remanded in Kuje Prisons. “Let me tell you, EFCC cells have beddings and mosquito nets, and I have been detained in Kuje Prisons twice, it is one of the best prisons in the country. Why didn’t they take them to Kirikiri or Ikoyi or Ijebu Ode Prisons? “And whoever have been detained in police cells would know that they sleep on bare floor, and a bucket put at a corner to serve as container for their faeces.” He noted that with the way the cases of corruption were being handled by the EFCC currently, and given the incessant injunctions being granted, the government might not get more than five convictions. To tame the lawyers involved in this practice, he called for publication of the names of those being tried for corrupt practices and those of their lawyers. He specifically asked ASUU to also join in the fight against graft. Fagge, on his own part, said the universities had deviated from their original role of carrying out research and making it available to the society. He also noted that corruption had continued to thrive because no one had been brought to book http://www.punchng.com/treasury-looters-dont-deserve-bail-says-falana/ 13 Likes 2 Shares
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Re: Treasury Looters Should Rot In Jail They Don't Deserve Bail- Falana by Aufbauh(m): 7:05am On Apr 01, 2016 |
I concur absolutely! Let them return Metuh, Dokpesi and Co back to where they belong in Kuje prison for what is good for the kidnappers & armed robbers is good for the treasury looters. **Modify Buhari is trying hard not to be seen as a dictator, unfortunately for him, many of us voted for him because Nigeria needs an iron hand. Maybe President Buhari should close himself in his study and read a few books about contemporary world politcal events. If he does that, he will quickly realise that when a leader comes into power on a reform ticket, he cannot afford the luxury of trying to cultivate the image of a democrat, for in almost all cases in recent world history, democracy arose from the storm of dictatorial reforms. Nigerians elected President Buhari for the dictatorial reforms that he introduced in 1984, some of which were War Against Indisciplne, War Against Corruption and Economic Sabotage that jailed many people for up to 250 years, Price Control, Environmental Sanitation, etc. That is the change they want to see from him today as a born again democrat. That is what brought about "Goguwar Buhari" (Buhari's Storm) that brought him into power. That is exactly his mandate. That is the momentum that he should ride to carry out the reforms the country so badly needs. 42 Likes 5 Shares |
Re: Treasury Looters Should Rot In Jail They Don't Deserve Bail- Falana by hungryboy(m): 7:18am On Apr 01, 2016 |
Democracy is so overated, Cos it slows down the speed of development of a country, And it ability to deal with corrupt elements, If you wish to bring real and snappy change, become a dictator, It is a fact that Gaddafi the dictator, did more for his people than Obama and Bush combined. 28 Likes 3 Shares |
Re: Treasury Looters Should Rot In Jail They Don't Deserve Bail- Falana by xclusiveguy4(m): 7:20am On Apr 01, 2016 |
Correct talk, if only they can do it 4 Likes |
Re: Treasury Looters Should Rot In Jail They Don't Deserve Bail- Falana by Aromas: 7:28am On Apr 01, 2016 |
xclusiveguy4:And from where will they start jailing those corrupt politicians from 2007 If truly they want to? 10 Likes 2 Shares
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Re: Treasury Looters Should Rot In Jail They Don't Deserve Bail- Falana by Sunky200: 7:43am On Apr 01, 2016 |
rot in jail ke, abi make we dey execute them publicly by firing squad. 7 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Treasury Looters Should Rot In Jail They Don't Deserve Bail- Falana by seunmsg(m): 7:50am On Apr 01, 2016 |
I support Femi Falana, if we are serious about fighting corruption, we really need to get very tough on people accused of stealing our country dry. Our laws are just too soft and provides big loopholes for corrupt people to get away. Anybody accused of stealing N10million and above should not be granted bail until the case is finally decided. 12 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Treasury Looters Should Rot In Jail They Don't Deserve Bail- Falana by Nobody: 7:52am On Apr 01, 2016 |
front page 1 Like |
Re: Treasury Looters Should Rot In Jail They Don't Deserve Bail- Falana by Nobody: 7:54am On Apr 01, 2016 |
A Lagos-based lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), says politically-exposed persons facing corruption charges do not deserve bail. http://www.punchng.com/treasury-looters-dont-deserve-bail-says-falana/ |
Re: Treasury Looters Should Rot In Jail They Don't Deserve Bail- Falana by MadCow1: 11:50am On Apr 01, 2016 |
I concur 2 Likes |
Re: Treasury Looters Should Rot In Jail They Don't Deserve Bail- Falana by AntiWailer: 11:51am On Apr 01, 2016 |
Only PDP thieves and iPOB youths will disagree. There is evidence of billions transferred with account statement and wailers are still screaming witch hunt. Anybody with money traced to his account and the money belong to the govt should not be granted bail. This one that Saraki is going to court with 400 lawyers and FBI over loots. Meanwhile a guy stole 6 goats in the same Ilorin and was beaten to death. Please save me the one sided fight crap l, if PDP and Jonathan have been doing 1 sided fight against corruption since they came to power at least Tinubu and co would av been jailed and finished their jail term if he was truelly a thief. 20 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Treasury Looters Should Rot In Jail They Don't Deserve Bail- Falana by TippyTop(m): 11:51am On Apr 01, 2016 |
Ok 1 Like |
Re: Treasury Looters Should Rot In Jail They Don't Deserve Bail- Falana by TANTUMERGO007(m): 11:51am On Apr 01, 2016 |
who takes falana serious? neolboy: 2 Likes |
Re: Treasury Looters Should Rot In Jail They Don't Deserve Bail- Falana by looseweight: 11:51am On Apr 01, 2016 |
OK, I will think about it 1 Like 1 Share |
Re: Treasury Looters Should Rot In Jail They Don't Deserve Bail- Falana by Dottore: 11:51am On Apr 01, 2016 |
Yes 1 Like |
Re: Treasury Looters Should Rot In Jail They Don't Deserve Bail- Falana by BIGTinfotech: 11:52am On Apr 01, 2016 |
Gbam! 1 Like |
Re: Treasury Looters Should Rot In Jail They Don't Deserve Bail- Falana by haywire07(m): 11:52am On Apr 01, 2016 |
Falz the badguy 2 Likes |
Re: Treasury Looters Should Rot In Jail They Don't Deserve Bail- Falana by DonCortino: 11:53am On Apr 01, 2016 |
supported! thats how to fight the corruption not the hogwash going on now. IMAGINE!!! 4 Likes |
Re: Treasury Looters Should Rot In Jail They Don't Deserve Bail- Falana by Kingspin(m): 11:54am On Apr 01, 2016 |
both PDP and APC, then Nigeria will be better and safe. 1 Like |
Re: Treasury Looters Should Rot In Jail They Don't Deserve Bail- Falana by neocortex: 11:55am On Apr 01, 2016 |
hungryboy: He who sacrifices freedom for temporary security deserves neither security nor freedom and will get none. When will the #IstandwithDictator march be launched ? 4 Likes |
Re: Treasury Looters Should Rot In Jail They Don't Deserve Bail- Falana by handie(m): 11:57am On Apr 01, 2016 |
[b]No African country should practice democracy. All it does is draw us backward. I stand to be corrected but Nigeria enjoyed her best period of sustained growth in d military era. All this rule of law mumbo jumbo are just terms that they use to oppress the poor. someone diverted money that's meant for the public good into his private pockets(and shares it with his cronies). there are evidence to this effect. The people he shared these monies with made confessional statements(and many are even offering to return what they took) What more do we want before pronouncing him guilty? This same id**t will hire some brilliant but hungry lawyers to come and defend him in court and then endless injunctions and case postponement starts. At the end of d day, the case will die while a man who stole baby formula for his new born baby will be summarily tried, convicted and sentenced to jail. And u say the law is fair? Biko let's scrap this democracy thing. It ain't working. They say we got a say about who rules us in a democracy but do we really have any say when from the councillors to the presidency, elections are rigged and d "elected" leaders can't be held accountable as they automatically evolve to demigods once "elected" [/b] 4 Likes |
Re: Treasury Looters Should Rot In Jail They Don't Deserve Bail- Falana by RedCapChief(m): 11:57am On Apr 01, 2016 |
Treasury looting is stealing money. Can you say you have never stolen money before? So everybody who steals should be denied the opportunity of bail. Punish them but don't deny them proper legal procedure 1 Like 1 Share |
Re: Treasury Looters Should Rot In Jail They Don't Deserve Bail- Falana by neocortex: 11:58am On Apr 01, 2016 |
It is a shame that a self-styled "human right lawyer" is calling for the abolition of bail. Anyone who has the faintest interest in human rights wouldn't make such statement. 1 Like |
Re: Treasury Looters Should Rot In Jail They Don't Deserve Bail- Falana by Nobody: 11:59am On Apr 01, 2016 |
I get it, the average Nigerian hopes that corruption gets stamped out by all means but Mr Falana has taken it personal, ignoring the professional oath he took at his call you bar. It would be prejudice to deny an 'accused' bail when he hasn't been proven guilty by the court. A convict doesn't need bail. Abi himself has joined the bandwagon of media conviction which is synonymous with this administration? My guy don't worry, Buhari would reconsider you when he shuffles his cabinet |
Re: Treasury Looters Should Rot In Jail They Don't Deserve Bail- Falana by birmingham04: 11:59am On Apr 01, 2016 |
I think PMB is not really serious about corruption ask me why? Why did PMB dropped Femi Falana name from the name of nomination minister? No minister of justice we can have now that can be better than Femi Falana maybe PMB his afraid of true justice.Femi Falana is the best man for the job of justice minister is a fearless man. 7 Likes |
Re: Treasury Looters Should Rot In Jail They Don't Deserve Bail- Falana by ogadTop2: 12:04pm On Apr 01, 2016 |
Who pronounced them guilty? |
Re: Treasury Looters Should Rot In Jail They Don't Deserve Bail- Falana by seunmsg(m): 12:04pm On Apr 01, 2016 |
neocortex: Dictatorship is far better form of government than democracy if the state wants rapid development. The problem is, it is always difficult to find a patriotic, intelligent, pragmatic, well intentioned and selfless dictator. The few countries like Singapore that have been fortunate to have dictators with these characteristics are great countries today. But the problem is, almost all dictators are selfish, corrupt, intellectually poor and self centred. The good ones are rear to find. 5 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Treasury Looters Should Rot In Jail They Don't Deserve Bail- Falana by Zico5(m): 12:05pm On Apr 01, 2016 |
True, they deserve no mercy at all |
Re: Treasury Looters Should Rot In Jail They Don't Deserve Bail- Falana by Nobody: 12:05pm On Apr 01, 2016 |
Spots on!..infact, they should die by hanging! |
Re: Treasury Looters Should Rot In Jail They Don't Deserve Bail- Falana by nijanigga: 12:06pm On Apr 01, 2016 |
AntiWailer: |
Re: Treasury Looters Should Rot In Jail They Don't Deserve Bail- Falana by Ribaman(m): 12:08pm On Apr 01, 2016 |
On contrary, only those who do not know what the 'Rule of Law' means would canvas such a position. I am against corruption in the form or shape, but find that the 'Rule of Law' meant to protect us all. AntiWailer: |
Re: Treasury Looters Should Rot In Jail They Don't Deserve Bail- Falana by Joenyam(m): 12:09pm On Apr 01, 2016 |
I totally agree with the lawyer. Its not all about getting back our money, but they should be compelled to face the wrath of the law for their betrayel, fraud and felony against the Nigerian State. But one begins to wonder when the several people apprehended and charged by EFCC names will be published on paper, monies recovered, jail sentence Pls let the government and Buhari not forget APC cohorts in this anti-corruption war, else we'll loose faith in him. Thats if some haven't already. 2 Likes |
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