Right Group To Sue FG Over Failure to Extradite Buruji Kasamu

Buruji Kasamu

An Abuja-based Non Governmental Organisation, the Society for Rule of Law in Nigeria, has threatened to drag the Federal Government to court over its refusal to extradite controversial businessman and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State, Buruji Kasamu.

Last month, a three-man panel of justices at the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, had vacated an order of perpetual injunction granted by Justice Okechukwu Okeke (rtd.) of the Federal High Court, restraining the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice from entertaining or making any order whatsoever in respect of any request by the United States Government for the surrender of Kasamu in respect of an alleged drug-related offences.
The order restrained the AGF from taking any steps under Section 6(2) of the Extradition Act for the arrest, committal or surrender of Kashamu at the instance of the US Government.
SRLN said in a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday by its National Coordinator, Comrade Chima Ubeku, that it was worrisome that in spite of the Court of Appeal judgment, the PDP-led Federal Government has remained silent of the matter.
The statement said: “Instead of releasing Mr Buruji Kasamu to the US government to face trial, what we have seen is the wanted man associating openly with the party even at the South-West zonal and national levels.
“This is no doubt a minus to the anti-corruption posture of the President Goodluck Jonathan-led PDP government.
“It has therefore become a moral burden on the president and his party, and it is high time the presidency makes its position known on the matter.”
Speaking further, Comrade Ubeku said: “Having waited for more than 30 days after the Appeal Court judgment was delivered and the federal government has done nothing, ostensibly because Mr Kasamu belongs to the ruling PDP, we no longer have any other option than to take steps aimed at compelling the federal government to clear itself of the seeming complicity on the Kasamu issue.
“Therefore, we shall, 14 days after today commence a legal process against the federal government and also take our campaign to the United Nations and other relevant international organisations.”