HURIWA to Tinubu: Investigate alleged mismanagement in Nwude’s assets
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently order an independent and comprehensive review of the controversial Emmanuel Nwude matter, citing sensational allegations circulating about the handling of the case.
The association emphasized that transparency and accountability are necessary to uphold the principles of justice and restore public trust in the institutions involved.
The recent resurgence of this decades-old case, highlighted by a viral video and accompanying court documents, raises serious questions about alleged irregularities in the seizure, management, and sale of Nwude’s properties.
According to Nwude’s legal team, these assets, valued at billions of naira, were purportedly forfeited following his conviction but were later allegedly misappropriated through fraudulent means involving individuals within the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other associated parties.
HURIWA expressed concern over claims made in the documents, which suggest that several properties and assets linked to Nwude were allegedly sold at grossly undervalued prices without following established legal protocols.
The association noted that the allegations include forged documents, unauthorized sales, and proceeds being diverted for personal gain by certain officials. These properties include high-value assets in Lagos, Abuja, and other locations, as well as international holdings.
“The allegations against certain EFCC officials and associated individuals are troubling and must not be swept under the rug,” HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, stated.
“We call on President Tinubu to immediately commission a panel of independent experts to investigate these claims thoroughly and impartially. The panel must review the facts, figures, and allegations circulating in the public domain to determine the truth.
“Among the most damning claims in the case are allegedly made confessions and statements attributed to individuals such as Babajide Ogundipe and Prince Akinrutan, as detailed in court documents made available on the cyberspace. These statements allege collusion with EFCC officials to misappropriate the proceeds of sold properties and provide cover for illegal activities. One notable alleged incident includes the sale of the Russel Centre, Abuja, where a legitimate bid of ₦3 billion was ignored in favor of an under-the-table sale at ₦2.25 billion, with significant sums allegedly siphoned off for personal gain.
“The documents also alleged that some officials engaged in malicious prosecution to intimidate Nwude and his legal team. These actions reportedly included arrests, detentions, and trumped-up charges to suppress any resistance against the alleged fraud.
HURIWA urged President Tinubu to consider the suspension of any officials implicated in these allegations pending the outcome of an independent investigation. The association further called for the retrieval of any properties sold or transferred under questionable circumstances, with the rightful ownership restored and public apologies issued to those wrongfully targeted.
“This matter goes beyond Emmanuel Nwude,” Onwubiko emphasized. “It speaks to the heart of governance, accountability, and the rule of law in Nigeria. Nigerians deserve to know if their institutions are being used for personal enrichment rather than public service. The integrity of the EFCC and other law enforcement agencies must be safeguarded.”
HURIWA also highlighted the claim by Nwude’s lawyer, alleging that an attempt was made to “buy him over” with a bribe of ₦160 million to abandon his client’s case. The association found it alarming that such grave allegations of corruption within the EFCC have not been publicly addressed or refuted.
“When the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians are at stake, no stone should be left unturned in the pursuit of justice,” HURIWA declared. “The allegations surrounding the Nwude case demand an exhaustive and transparent review, not only to establish accountability but also to ensure that similar occurrences are prevented in the future.”
HURIWA’s demands included the constitution of an independent panel comprising legal experts, civil society representatives, and independent investigators to review all allegations and evidence related to the Nwude case. It also called for the temporary suspension of implicated individuals to maintain the integrity of the investigation. Public accountability is essential, and the EFCC and other relevant bodies must publish a detailed report on the seizure, management, and sale of Nwude’s properties, including a breakdown of proceeds and beneficiaries. The National Assembly must actively embark on its own oversight investigation and ensure adherence to due process.
HURIWA believes that addressing these allegations will be a litmus test for President Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to justice and the rule of law. Nigerians await decisive action to uphold the sanctity of their institutions and to rebuild trust in governance. Mind you, HURIWA has not indicted any individuals in this sensational allegations in circulation.
Signed
Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko
National Coordinator,
Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA)
December 30, 2024
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