A group of Nigerian intellectuals residing in the United States, led by President Dr. Philips Idris, has accused the Economics and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of human rights violations in the ongoing trial of Mr. Godwin Emefiele, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Monday, the group condemned the treatment of Emefiele during the trial and labeled his detention as “illegal and fiendish.”

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Emefiele’s trial recently commenced in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja, where witnesses reportedly cleared him of wrongdoing in the award of N1.2 billion vehicle supply contracts during his tenure at the Central Bank.

Quoting Article 9 of the United Nations Human Rights, Dr. Idris emphasized that “No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.”

He pointed out that international human rights laws obligate governments to act in ways that promote and protect the rights and freedoms of individuals or groups.

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Dr. Idris further alleged a consistent abuse of the rule of law and a disregard for the freedom and rights of innocent Nigerians since the new administration took office, using Emefiele’s case as an example.

The group’s statement expressed concern over Emefiele’s treatment, stating, “We have watched with concern and consternation, the relentless persecution of Mr. Godwin Emefiele, who is currently being sequestered and shackled like a common criminal in Nigeria.”

The statement also claimed that court orders for Emefiele’s release had been disobeyed by the EFCC and the DSS.

The group called on the Nigerian government to adhere to human rights principles and release Emefiele.

They also warned the EFCC against eroding the confidence of the international community by violating the fundamental rights of perceived opponents.

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In the event that their plea is ignored, the group announced plans to stage peaceful protests in the USA and London as a means of drawing attention to the alleged human rights violations in Nigeria.