On February 11, Col Adegbe arrested by security men in Abuja on suspicion of being connected to the ongoing $2.1bn Dasukigate scandal. He is believed to have been a conduit and courier who helped disburse the funds made available by former national security adviser Col Sambo Dasuki to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) officials and political associates.
However, Col Adegbe has now sued the agency saying he has been in EFCC detention since February 11, without being charged with any offence. His suit with number CV/995/16 was filed through his counsel, Ogwu Onoja, on February 17, 2016 and is to come for hearing before Justice Halilu tomorrow.
In the suit, Col Adegbe contended that with his continued detention, the EFCC violated his right to personal liberty and freedom of movement guaranteed under Section 35 and 41 of the 1999 constitution. He also contended that the EFCC’s action violated Articles 5, 6 and 12 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Furthermore, the plaintiff said he was summoned by the Nigerian Army authorities from the UK where he was attending a course after he finished serving as Dr Jonathan’s ADC on May 29, 2015, to face EFCC interrogation. His brother, Daniel Adegbe, who deposed to an affidavit in support of the suit, stated that the EFCC had continued to detain the ex-ADC despite the fact that the anti-graft agency had obtained his statement on the day he was arrested.
Col Adegbe is seeking a declaration that his arrest and continued detention is unconstitutional as it offends his right to personal liberty as guaranteed by Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In addition, he wants an order directing the EFCC to release him from unlawful detention with immediate effect.
Or, in the alternative, he is seeking an order granting him bail, pending his trial in a court of competent jurisdiction. In addition, Col Adegbe is demanding N100m (£357,000) as general damages for unlawful detention and a written apology by the EFCC.
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