The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has expressed grave concern over the use of police by politicians and other ‘powerful’ individuals to hound defenceless citizens.
Highlighting this trend in a statement signed by RULAAC’s executive director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, recent arrest of Dr. Fabian Ihekweme, a former commissioner under Governor Hope Uzodinma, was brought to the fore.
Ihekweme was arrested by police operatives at his Abuja residence, reportedly at the behest of Uzodinma.
The politician has been a critic of Uzodinma, ditto a broadcast journalist Nonso Nkwa who also has been languishing in police custody reportedly for his critical commentaries of Governor Uzodinma’s administration.
According to RULAAC, the recent arrest of Ihekweme raises serious questions about the motives, particularly given his vocal criticism of Governor Uzodinma’s administration.
The statement reads in part: “Dr. Ihekweme’s wife has voiced alarming worries regarding her husband’s health and safety, alleging potential plots to eliminate him under the guise of an accident. His outspoken condemnation of the pervasive lack of transparency and accountability in governance, alongside the systematic undermining of the judiciary and legislative processes in Imo State, has placed him at serious risk.
“This troubling pattern of repression has also affected others, such as Nonso Nkwa, who was similarly detained by police at the behest of Governor Uzodinma and remains unjustly imprisoned. These actions point to a systematic effort to silence dissent and stifle free speech.
“We call upon the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, to uphold the integrity of the police force and ensure that any arrest related to complaints from state governors adheres to the due process outlined in the Police Act. Citizens should not be subjected to violent arrests, incommunicado detention, or indefinite holding without formal charges.
“The police must resist becoming instruments of oppression, and human rights violations must not be tolerated.
“We demand the immediate release of Dr. Ihekweme and Nonso Nkwa or, if necessary, prompt charges brought against them in a court of law, allowing for a fair determination of their guilt or innocence.”
