Kebbi ADC Lawmakers, EXCO Demand Probe Of Members’ Alleged Illegal Detention

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi state has urged the Nigerian Police Force and Amnesty International to investigate alleged illegal detention of members of the party in the state.

The Kebbi ADC Caucus in the National Assembly and the party’s state executive council led by the chairman, Safiyanu Bala while jointly addressing journalists in Abuja.

Speaking on behalf of the National Assembly caucus, Sen. Garba Maidoki(Kebbi-South),
said the circumstances surrounding the arrest, raise serious questions about due process in the exercise of police powers and citizens’ fundamental rights.

He said the caucus recognised the legitimate responsibility of the police and other law-enforcement agencies to investigate suspected offences.

According to the lawmaker, the ADC does not place any of its members above the law, however, political affiliation must never become a substitute for evidence, and political difference must never become a basis for the deprivation of liberty.

He stated that where criminal allegations exist, they should be investigated objectively and dealt with through established legal procedures.

“We wish to make a respectful but strong appeal to the judiciary to exercise the
highest degree of circumspection, scrutiny independence and fidelity to the law whenever orders affecting the liberty of citizens are sought.

“We trust that the Judiciary will continue to serve as an independent safeguard for the rights of every citizen, irrespective of political affiliation,” he said.

The senator said a formal complaint concerning the conduct of certain police officers will be submitted to the Police Service Commission (PSC) and the Inspector-General of Police.

He urged the authorities to examine the complaints and determine whether any police officer acted contrary to the law, police regulations or professional standards.

He said there is need to investigate alleged political interference, arbitrary detention, unlawful instructions, or improper conduct by individual officers.

“We therefore appeal to the Inspector-General to examine the cases presented to his
office and take whatever action is appropriate within its powers.

“We will also bring the relevant cases to the attention of Amnesty International, particularly with respect to allegations of excessive or arbitrary use of police powers against political
opponents and supporters of the opposition.

“Where citizens are detained or subjected to criminal proceedings in circumstances suggesting that their political activities may have influenced the actions taken against them; such allegations raise legitimate human rights and democratic concerns,” he said.

Maidoki reiterated the demand of the Kebbi ADC for an immediate end to any arrest, detention or prosecution undertaken for the purpose of intimidating citizens because of their political affiliation or peaceful political activities.

He said that every ADC member or supporter currently in custody be treated strictly in accordance with the Constitution.

Maidoki insisted that detainees have the right to know the basis of the arrest, access legal representation and be brought before a competent court where required by law.

The senator called on the Kebbi state government and all relevant authorities to ensure that public institutions are not used to intimidate citizens because of their political affiliation or peaceful political activities.

He urged members and supporters of the party to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding, saying that no provocation should be answered with violence or unlawful retaliation.

“We therefore call on the relevant institutions to give these concerns the attention they deserve and we urge all parties to ensure that the rights and dignity of every citizen are protected, regardless of political affiliation,” he said.

For his part, the party’s state chairman, Bala said issues of alleged illegal detention of innocent citizens should not be treated with kids gloves as it breaches fundamental human rights, due process and the rule of law.

“Our concern is not about political affiliation. It is about the principles that should govern a democratic society and protect every citizen, regardless of party, status or political persuasion.

“We have therefore assembled here to present the facts as we understand them, raise the concerns of stakeholders, and call the attention of the relevant authorities and the Nigerian public to the matter,” he said.