Writer in Detention

DEMAND FOR THE RELEASE OF FRIDAY JOHN ABBA - Tuesday, March 6, 2007

20:12:23
06:03:2007

PRESS RELEASE

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Kaduna State branch is deeply disturbed by the inexplicable and unjustified detention of one of its executive officers, Mr Friday John Abba. The above mentioned has been kept incommunicado, without access to legal representation and contacts with members of his family and associates by the State Security Service (SSS) over a period of one month.

This situation is even more worrisome taking into consideration the fact that we are in a democratic dispensation where all arrests should be within the ambits of the law. Constitution of the Federal republic of Nigeria in sections 35-36 and ancillary portions has clearly provided for the modicum of basic human rights of all persons in the custody of the security agencies of the state.

The association is a law abiding one and like most bodies of its kind around the world, has been working as a change agent toward a sound democratic state where the rule of law is sacrosanct. We therefore appeal to the relevant authorities to take necessary actions towards the release and the reuniting of Mr Friday John Abba with his family in the shortest possible time.

ANA-KWL SECRETARIAT; Kaduna State Library.

Email: Kadunawriters@yahoo.com, sakkyjojo@yahoo.co.uk