Navy releases Labinjo to EFCC

Abiola Seun |

A former naval captain Dada Labinjo detained by the Nigerian Navy since 2018, has now been transferred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The navy’s spokesperson, Suleiman Dahun had said Labinjo was no more in their custody, but Femi Falana, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said Labinjo was only released to the anti-graft agency on Sunday.

“He has just been brought from an underground cell by the Navy,” Falana said.

In April, the senior lawyer had raised alarm over the detention of Labinjo and 66 others held without trial.

Following continuous pressure on the authorities by Falana, the Navy in October transferred the case files of the detainees to the EFCC but withheld that of Labinjo.

And despite two court orders for Labinjo’s release, the Navy denied his whereabouts. Falana had said Labinjo was being held for an undisclosed offence.

According to him, the trial court had ordered the navy to produce him in court for his arraignment on December 4, 2019.