By Evelyn Usman & Dorin Nnademere

A group of concerned Nigerians has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to release Adefowora Abiodun, one of the alleged promoters of the CBEX investment scheme, who has remained in custody for over a month despite voluntarily submitting himself for investigation.

Abiodun turned himself in at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja in April and has been held since then, following a ruling by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which granted the EFCC’s request to arrest and detain six individuals linked to the controversial scheme.

Also declared wanted alongside Abiodun were Adefowora Oluwanisola, Emmanuel Uko, Seyi Oloyede, Avwerosuo Otorudo, and Chukwuebuka Ehirim—alleged to be connected to CBEX, a digital investment platform accused of defrauding investors of over $1 billion.

According to EFCC counsel, Fadila Yusuf, the Commission presented substantial evidence to the court, leading to the issuance of arrest warrants and the public declaration of the suspects as wanted.

However, Abiodun’s legal counsel, Babatunde Busari, argued that his client had voluntarily presented himself to the Commission to clear his name and counter the negative media narratives surrounding the case.

“Mr. Abiodun was not arrested. He went to the EFCC with his legal team, expressing his willingness to cooperate. One month later, he is still behind bars. This is unjust,” Busari said.

The continued detention—without fresh charges or a formal arraignment—has drawn criticism from civil society groups and legal analysts, who accuse the EFCC of abuse of rights and heavy-handed tactics.

A family member, speaking anonymously, expressed concern over Abiodun’s prolonged detention, warning it may deter others from voluntarily cooperating with law enforcement.

“Keeping him in custody for over a month despite his voluntary surrender will discourage others from cooperating with security agencies. It shows there is no reward for doing the right thing,” the source said.

The family also noted that CBEX had begun steps to refund investor funds and assured users of withdrawal access by June 25.

In response to mounting pressure for Abiodun’s release, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewole said the Commission acted in accordance with the law.

“Anybody we are holding beyond 48 hours, rest assured we have a lawful remand order from a magistrate court,” Oyewole said. “We are a law-abiding Commission. In this case, the suspect is being held based on a valid remand order.”