The Centre for Law Enforcement and Justice has challenged allegations against the Edo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Professor Roland Otaru, SAN, over the handling of the longstanding Ikpeshi/Egbigere community dispute, insisting that claims of personal involvement in alleged unlawful arrests and threats should be supported by credible evidence.
In a statement responding to a publication titled “Despite Outcries, Edo AG, Otaru Vows to Continue Mass Arrests of Displaced Ikpeshi Persons,” attributed to the Concerned Citizens of Ikpeshi/Egbigere Clan, the centre described the allegations as serious and called for evidence to substantiate them.
The organisation questioned whether the publication provided documentary evidence, official communications, court records or identifiable witnesses linking Otaru personally to alleged directives to raid communities, arrest residents and threaten elderly members.
It maintained that allegations capable of damaging the reputation of a public officer should be subjected to verification and should not be treated as established facts without supporting evidence.
The centre also highlighted the distinction between the responsibilities of the Attorney-General and the operational duties of law enforcement agencies.
According to the organisation, allegations of unlawful arrest should be examined based on the circumstances of each case, including the legal basis for the arrest, the conduct of the responsible security agency, respect for constitutional rights and compliance with applicable judicial procedures.
It argued that arrests connected to a community dispute should not automatically be attributed to the Attorney-General solely because he serves as the state’s chief law officer.
The organisation, however, did not rule out the need for investigation where credible evidence of misconduct is presented.
The centre further stated that the traditional leadership dispute involving Ikpeshi/Egbigere predates Otaru’s appointment as Attorney General and has been marked by prolonged disagreements and legal proceedings.
It referenced the Edo State Government’s reported revocation of the appointments of traditional rulers in Ososo and Ikpeshi/Egbegere in November 2025, a decision it said was linked to peace, stability and due process. The statement also referred to the appointment of Nicholas Odamah as regent of the Ikpeshi/Egbegere Clan.
According to the centre, the history of the dispute makes it necessary to examine current allegations within their wider context rather than treat them as independently established conclusions.
The organisation urged the public to distinguish between documented events, allegations and claims that still require independent verification.
The Centre for Law Enforcement and Justice emphasised that residents who believe their fundamental rights have been violated should be able to seek redress through appropriate legal and investigative channels.
It encouraged anyone alleging unlawful arrest, detention or threats to provide relevant details and documentation to the appropriate authorities.
The organisation also urged media organisations and online platforms to exercise caution when reporting allegations against public officials, stressing the importance of fair reporting and the presumption of innocence.
While challenging the claims against Otaru, the centre maintained that credible evidence of misconduct should be investigated through established legal processes.
It concluded by reaffirming its support for accountability, lawful investigations, due process and equal protection under the law, stating that allegations should be assessed on the strength of available evidence.
The Concerned Citizens of Ikpeshi/Egbigere Clan’s response to the centre’s statement was not included in the material available for this report.
Written by Enitan Mudashiru
