Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has written a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), demanding the arrest of the immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria(CJN), Tanko Muhammad immediately.
The advocacy group tasked the EFCC, as well as the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, to ensure they investigate the corruption allegations levelled against Muhammad by the 14 justices of the Supreme Court.
The New Diplomat had reported that resigned from his position as the 17th Chief Justice of Nigeria on Monday. He cited health issues as the reason for the resignation.
Muhammad’s resignation came on the heels of the allegations of mismanagement of funds levelled against him by 14 justices of the Supreme Court.
The justices of the apex court, in a joint petition, accused the Bauchi State-born CJN of poor welfare, among other ill-treatment being meted out to them.
In a statement signed by Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA’s national coordinator, the group reminded Nigerians that 14 Supreme Court justices had recently petitioned Tanko and alleged 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 acton 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.
“Jistice 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.”
