Two civil society organisations have called on the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to investigate allegations of unlawful arrests and detention of traders in Onitsha, Anambra State, allegedly carried out by officers attached to the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters’ Legal Department.
The groups, led by the Anambra State Chairman of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Evangelist Vincent Ezekwueme, and Abuja-based activist, Comrade Joseph Nwangwu, alleged that innocent traders and residents have been subjected to harassment and prolonged detention over matters they described as civil disputes.
The activists specifically referenced the detention of the Chairman of the Ozomagana Building Materials Association, Mr. Obiora Okoro, at the Asokoro Police Station in Abuja, alongside allegations involving two other traders, Nonso Paul and Emma Carpet.
They claimed the arrests stemmed from a dispute over a lease agreement and argued that the matter was civil in nature and should not have resulted in criminal charges.
The groups questioned the role of the Force Headquarters’ Legal Department in conducting arrests, urging the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the department’s activities and ensure that police officers operate within the provisions of the law.
They also called on the Nigeria Police Force to uphold the rule of law, respect citizens’ fundamental human rights and ensure that civil disputes are not criminalised.
The activists further advised affected persons to seek legal redress through the courts where they believe their constitutional rights have been violated.
The Nigeria Police Force has not issued an official response to the allegations at the time of this report.
