Cleric Sues EFCC Over Alleged Unlawful ArrestSTAKEHOLDERS at a seminar organized by the Anambra State chapter of the Anti-Corruption Revolution (ANCOR), a civilian anti-corruption network of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC),have advocated for the return of the sustained teaching and learning of Civics and citizenship training in all primary and secondary schools in the country.The state Coordinator of ANCOR, Rev Fr Martin Onukwuba who is also the coordinator of the Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) of the Onitsha Catholic Archdiocese noted that 'in a bid to stem the tide of corruption, economic and financial crimes and to ensure greater participation of citizens in this regard, ANCOR was conceived with a vision of 'a Nigeria that is free from corruption in all public and private dealings'. ANCOR's mission is to mobilize and build capacity of diverse communities and people to own and drive the Anti-Corruption Revolution in Nigeria , with a resolve to resist and expose corruption'.According to him, the initiative which is supported by EFCC and other agencies and groups has offices in all states and schools in Nigeria .Chief Godwin Okeke who represented the chairman of the state's Post Primary Schools Service Commission (PPSSC) pledged to adopt the programmes to teach the children the need for integrity and decency in schools.Tina Emekekwue from the Federation of International Women Lawyers (FIDA) called for the regular publication of the names of convicted corrupt persons in all media, to embarrass them and discourage others.The Coordinator of the Civil Rights Concern, Mr Okey Onyeka advocated for massive and sustained social enlightenment, sensitization and mobilization.On his part, the European Union adviser in the state, Prof Akintola Bello-Osagie advocated a revision of the EFCC law and close checks and monitor on the lifestyle of government officials and other citizens.Meanwhile, Rev Fr Silas Nweke of the Catholic Diocese of Awka, has dragged the EFCC to court for allegedly infringing on his fundamental human rights.Also joined as defendants in the suit ref A/MISC.109/2011now before the High Court of Awka Judicial Division are Messrs Wali of the EFCC, Mohammed Jida, head of EFCC zonal office and EFCC.According to counsel to the cleric, Edwin Obiorah Esq, also a priest, his client was allegedly arrested without any court order which prompted his client, Fr Nweke to obtain a court order asking the EFCC to stay action from arresting him and for the EFCC to produce him in court on December 8.On December 8, the EFCC failed to produce Nweke and the court then ordered the respondents who are the EFCC officers, to appear before the court with Nweke on December 13.But on that day, they again failed to appear in court or to produce Nweke, and this was listed as Exhibit 'B'. This was an action Obiorah described as a contempt of court.Owing to the failure of EFCC to yet again appear in court or produce Nweke, the court on that December 13 ordered a bench warrant for the arrest of the four respondents for contempt of court and for them to be brought to court on December 19, this year.
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