The Human Rights Writers’ Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, has asked the the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, to arrest and prosecute the immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria, Tanko Muhammad for corruption allegations levelled against him by the 14 justices of the Supreme Court, if a prima facie evidence exists.
Justice Muhammad resigned his appointment as CJN on Monday, citing health challenges as the reason for his decision.
In a statement on Tuesday signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA, reminded Nigerians of the recent petition written against Muhammad by the 14 Supreme Court justices, accusing him of diversion of their welfare funds.
The statement reads:
“The resignation of Justice Tanko Muhammad as the Chief Justice of Nigeria is not enough; the EFCC and the ICPC must swing into action, investigate, then if a cause of action is ascertained, then arrest and prosecute him over the corruption allegations levelled against him by the 14 justices of the Supreme Court if a prima facie evidence exists.
“Justice Tanko must be prosecuted just as his predecessor, Walter Onnoghen, who was probed and later removed on a controversial note following some allegations against him which was probed by both the NJC and the CCT.
“The investigation and probable prosecution of Tanko, if indicted, will set a precedent that Buhari’s anti-corruption crusade is not a joke unless it is a joke.”
