Continuation of Mashood Erubami's Trial

PRESS RELEASE

On April 24, 2006, Comrade Mashood Erubami presented himself at court again to face the charges relating to his arrest on January 23, 2006.
On January 23, 2006, Comrade Erubami led a peaceful protest in Ibadan with the support of local unions.
At his second appearance in court, the prosecution again delayed the trial by stating that they were still not ready to present their case.
The court, once again, adjourned the trial to June 7, 2006, when Mr. Erubami hopes to answer the charges against him.

CD PRESS RELEASE

MARCH 31, 2006

RE: CONCERN FOR THE CONTINUING DETENTION OF
DR. FREDRICK FASEHUN

CD is concerned for the continued detention of Dr. Fredrick Fasehun in Abuja without the opportunity for bail. Dr. Fasehun has been charged with three offences that constitute petty treason. Under these charges Dr. Fasehun has the right to post bail and be released until his trial has concluded.

The continued incarceration of Dr. Fasehun without the right to bail is a violation of his Constitutional rights under the Nigerian Constitution. The 1999 Nigerian Constitution Chapter IV Section 32(4) guarantees a citizen’s right to bail where conditions for bail exist.

Dr. Fasehun’s case meets all conditions for bail and the denial of his right to post bail is a clear violation of his rights as a citizen of Nigeria. His serious health condition also compounds the violation of his rights under the Constitution to security of person.

Dr. Fasehun’s current unconstitutional detention in the first instance, before prosecution, is further evidence that the human rights situations in Nigeria has not improved under seven years of civilian rule and is, in fact, in danger of deteriorating as dissenting voices are being intimidated through authoritative abuse of the legal system and Constitution.

Washington’s 2005 Human Rights report, which was released on March 30, 2006, cited “freedom of expression and association” , as well as, “abuse of judicial process” as the major contributing factors to human rights violations in Nigeria. Washington identified the primary contributor to these violations as the Federal government of Nigeria and its supporting agencies.

Dr. Fasehun’s arrest and treatment in the judicial system clearly demonstrates that the agents responsible for the past human rights violations in Nigeria have not changed their tactics to suppress voices that speak out contrary to their agenda.

CD calls for the immediate posting of bail for Dr. Fasehun and for him to be given access to medical care that is proper for his medical condition. CD also calls on all civil society organisations in Nigeria and abroad to join us in our call for his constitutional right to bail and fair treatment under Nigerian law.

Signed,



Comrade Mashood Erubami
National President,
Campaign for Democracy (CD)

FIRST DAY OF COMRADE ERUBAMI’S TRIAL

March 8, 2006

Today was the first day of the trial of Comrade Mashood Erubami, president of Campaign for Democracy (CD). Mr. Erubami was charged with instigating a prison break and unlawful assembly on January 23, 2006, after organizing a rally to protest the impeachment of Governor Ladoja, of Oyo State, on the grounds that the due process of law was not adhered to in his removal from office.
Today’s hearing was adjourned until April 24,2006, as no witnesses were present to go forward with the trial. The arresting officer, Superintendent of Police, Ijalana, was present at the trial acting as prosecutor in the case.
Mr. Erubami was present at today’s hearing with his legal team. He was also accompanied by many supporters of his democratic advocacy work; as well as by CHRRD staff.
Comrade Erubami was happy with the process so far as to kindle the interest of the populace in the judicial process. Mr. Erubami called on the judiciary to remain steadfast and protect their integrity by ensuring that their pronouncement remains based in the law at all times.
“The bar and bench must strive to protect the judiciary as an independent arm of the government. They must resist any executive attempt to assault the rule of law in such a way that it becomes a veritable threat to Nigeria’s nascent democracy. Rules of Justice must prevail on the Rule of Man.”, said Comrade Erubami.
He further emphasized that, “ Judicial Officers must be ready to ward of any Executive obstruction on the way of their judgment. For us in the Campaign for Democracy, we shall continue to defend Democracy and the Rule of Law!”

CHRRD Press Release

Photos of Protest and Arrest

Campaign for Democracy President Arrested

Press Release:

CD PRESIDENT ARRESTED

This is to inform the general public and indeed the Nigerian Press that the President of the Campaign for Democracy (CD), Comrade Mashood Erubami, was arrested today – January 23, 2006 – after leading a peaceful rally to protest the undemocratic and illegal government of Otunba Alao Akala in Oyo State.
Comrade Mashood Erubami was arrested by a combine team and fully armed mobile and regular police at Gate, Ibadan, around 11:40 a.m. while trekking back to his office after the rally.
He was taken away to an unknown destination.

Comrade Segun Adepoju
Chairman
Oyo State