Global Integrity Crusade Network (GICN), an anti-corruption, human rights and pro-democracy Civil Society Organization based in Abuja has faulted the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi for declaring their President, Barr. Edward Omaga wanted over the exposure of corrupt practices in Guaranty Trust Bank Limited, GTB. The group had on 3rd October 2024 taken a bold step in the fight against corruption by presenting a Private Investigation Report to the media on illegal activities of GTB, before submitting same to various crime fighting agencies in Nigeria, UK, USA and Ghana.
It was expected that the report, which was equally received by the Inspector-General of Police on 7th October 2024 would trigger necessary actions, including probe of GTB top Management staff. Unfortunately, things turned around and Segun Julius Agbaje, the Group CEO of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO Plc), which owns GTB engaged the services of the Nigeria Police Force to descend heavily on Barr. Edward Omaga and members of his group.
Rather than call the group to write a statement in support of the report, the Police acting through DCP Ibrahim Zungura sent an invitation letter dated 10th October 2024 to Barr. Edward Omaga, asking him to come and answer questions connected to his commission of the offences of Criminal Defamation, Cyberbullying, Economic Sabotage, and Conduct likely to Cause a Breach of Public Peace. This is nothing short of an attempt to make the hunter become the hunted.
With this development, GICN and its leadership felt threatened that injustice was looming. They quickly filed court cases to wit; GICN Vs. CBN & 7 Ors. – SUIT NO: FHC/ABJ/CS/1549/2024, GICN Vs. IGP – Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/742/24, EDWARD OMAGA Vs. DIG & 6 Ors. – Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1588/24 and EDWARD OMAGA v. INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE & 2 Ors. – Suit No. CV/5181/2024. Despite the fact that these cases were served on all parties, the Police went ahead to take so many illegal actions. First, they watch-listed the International Passport of Barr. Edward Omaga and blocked his bank accounts. Then they proceeded to declare him wanted in the media today as if he was a common criminal.
A Case of Corruption Fighting Back!
No doubt, the present ordeal of Barr. Edward Omaga in the hands of Police reflects a typical scenario where corruption fights back with vigour. In a country like Nigeria where those in power can easily manipulate the system to protect their interests, it is not uncommon for whistleblowers and activists to find themselves on the receiving end of threats, intimidation, and in some cases, prosecution. The allegations contained in the GICN’s report are not trivial; they concern the integrity of one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions and its top executives. In any functioning democracy, such allegations would prompt a serious and independent investigation to ascertain their veracity or otherwise.
It is only after the allegations, together with documents supplied, are confirmed through forensic analysis to be false that the whistleblower can be held liable for criminal defamation. We submit that the method adopted by the Police to tackle this serious issue suggests a deliberate attempt to bury the truth and silence those seeking justice.
Furthermore, the charges of Criminal Defamation and Cyberbullying being levied against the whistleblower are nothing but smokescreens designed to intimidate him. It is a clear way of suppressing his right to free speech guaranteed under Section 39 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights and other international human rights instruments. This approach reveals a broader problem in the system – one where the rule of law is often applied selectively, depending on whose interests are at stake.
Criminal Defamation as a Tool for Suppression
Criminal Defamation is a controversial legal concept that has been used by powerful individuals and institutions to shield themselves from scrutiny. In Nigerian States like Lagos, Edo and Ekiti as well as many parts of the world, criminal defamation has been repealed because of their potential for abuse. One wonders why the Federal Capital Territory Abuja would retain such obnoxious law as a potent tool for silencing dissent people and whistleblowers.
The very essence of democracy is the ability of citizens to hold leaders and institutions accountable. When the Police or any other law enforcement agency starts wielding defamation charges as weapon, it undermines the principles of transparency and accountability. This is not just about the specific case against GTB; it is a broader issue of governance and justice in Nigeria. The fact that the Police, whose role is to investigate crimes, are now being used to shield those accused of misconduct speaks volumes about the state of the nation.
Economic Sabotage and Conduct Likely to Cause Breach of Public Peace
The inclusion of Economic Sabotage and Conduct likely to Cause a Breach of Public Peace in the charges against Barr. Edward Omaga is even more perplexing. It begs the question: how does exposing potential corruption within a private financial institution amount to economic sabotage? If anything, allowing corrupt practices to go unchecked is what sabotages the economy. Corruption undermines investor confidence, drains public resources, and stifles economic growth. Those who speak out against it should be seen as patriots, not saboteurs.
Similarly, the charge of Conduct likely to Cause a Breach of Public Peace appears to be a veiled attempt to criminalize activism. Peace and stability are not threatened by those who expose wrongdoing; rather, they are threatened by those who engage in corrupt practices and those who seek to cover them up.
The Need for Collective Action
This case should serve as a wake-up call for all Nigerians, particularly lawyers, anti-corruption crusaders, and lovers of justice. It is a clarion call to stand in solidarity with whistleblowers and activists who risk their lives and livelihoods to expose corruption. Nigeria cannot progress if its citizens are afraid to speak out against wrongdoing for fear of victimization.
The law is meant to protect the weak from the excesses of the powerful, not the other way round. When the Police, which is an institution entrusted with enforcing the law, starts misusing its powers to protect the corrupt, the entire system of governance is at risk. This is not the Nigeria that our founding fathers envisioned. We must all rise to the occasion and demand accountability from those in power.
The fight against corruption is not an easy one, but it is one that must be fought if Nigeria is to achieve its full potential. We cannot afford to let the powerful silence the voices of truth and justice. The Police must be called to order, and the investigation into the allegations against GTB must proceed without further delay.
Conclusion
Nigeria is not a banana republic where the rule of law can be easily trampled upon. Whistleblowers and activists play a vital role in strengthening democracy and ensuring accountability. Therefore, any attempt to breach their fundamental rights must be frontally resisted. Let it be known that GICN will immediately take appropriate steps to quash the illegal actions of the Police both in Nigerian and ECOWAS Courts.
The case of corruption fighting back is not new, but it is one that we must continually resist. The power of the people when united is greater than the people in power. As long as there are those willing to speak out against injustice, there will always be hope for a better Nigeria. We call on other sister Civil Society Organizations and Media Outfits to join us in this campaign for justice. Today, it is Barr. Edward Omaga being hunted down, tomorrow it could be any other citizen of Nigeria.
Signed by:
Amb. Dr. Adebayo Lion Ogorry (Director of Publicity and Mobilisation, GICN)
Peoplesmind
