The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, have been told to arrest immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria, Tanko Muhammad.
The call follows the resignation of Justice Tanko on Monday, who cited health challenges as the cause of his decision.
Justice Olukayode Ariwoola was almost immediately sworn in as acting Chief Justice of Nigeria by President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday.
However, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, has argued that the resignation of Justice Muhammad as CJN was not enough to clear corruption allegations levelled against him by 14 justices of the Supreme Court.
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.
Though, Tanko has resigned, the group reiterated its call that the former CJN must not be allowed to go free in the midst of such weighty allegations.
The group also applauded President Muhammadu Buhari for swiftly appointing Justice Ariwoola as actng CJN.
Comrade Onwubike said; “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 if 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.
“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.”
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