United States Senator Patrick Leahy and London-based human rights organisation Global Witness have condemned the continuous attack on Olanrewaju Suraju by the Buhari regime.

Mr Suraju, chairman of Nigeria’s leading anti-corruption group, Human and Environmental Development Agenda, (HEDA Resource Centre), was accused of cyberstalking and forging a fake tape to unduly implicate Mohammed Adoke, the former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) for the multimillion dollar Malabu scandal at an Italian court.

Last year, Mr Adoke had petitioned the Inspector-General of Police to probe the indicting evidences presented against him in Milani, Italy.

According to Mr Adoke, the evidence against him included a fake email said to be written by him and another fake tape purported to be interview excerpts of him with an Italian journalist, which was circulated by unknown persons – insinuating Mr Suraju was a prime suspect due to his role in advocating that stolen monies be returned to the nation’s coffers.

HEDA chairman has also been actively pursuing the prosecution of persons involved in the financial scam which cost Nigeria about $1.1 billion.

Mr Adoke claimed the tape was fabricated and doctored to unduly implicate him. 

The police after its findings recommended the prosecution of Mr Suraju for cyberstalking and alleged forgery.

Writing the AGF, the police said, “the totality of the conduct of Olanrewaju Suraju is a calculated attempt to subject the complainant to media trial and falsify relationship between the complainant and Aliyu Abubakar while their cases are still ongoing in court, thereby misleading the public.”

“Hence a prima facie case of cyberstalking, giving false information and criminal defamation with intent to incite can be sustained against Mr Olarenwaju Suraju.”

However, U.S Senator Leahy has expressed concerns over these charges while urging the nation’s judicial system to uphold the tenets of the rule of law.

“I and others in Washington are concerned with the charges against Olanrewaju Suraju who has been a brave voice against corruption. We look to Nigeria’s judiciary to uphold the rule of law and freedom of expression.” tweeted the American Senator

In the same vein, Global Witness an international human rights group condemned Mr. Suraju’s prosecution saying it lacks tenable evidence.

“We stand with activist & Global Witness board member, Lanre Suraju (@larryk371) who is being prosecuted on worrying criminal charges with no good evidence.” tweeted the verified page of the Global Witness.

It added that “we condemn this prosecution and call on Nigerian judiciary to ensure justice is done.”