RULAAC petitions Imo CP over cops’ violation of Police Act 2020
By Athan Agbakwuru, Owerri
Human rights group, Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, RULAAC, has sent a petition to the Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma complaining about the alleged violation of Section 36 of the
Nigeria Police Act which prohibits the arrest of a person in place of a suspect (arrest by proxy or in lieu).
In the petition dated 11th December, 2024 and signed by the RULAAC’s Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, the group stated that it received an alarming report regarding the unlawful arrest of one Chinweikpe Ugwu, by operatives from the Anti Vice Unit, Imo State Headquarters, Owerri when they came for his brother who was not at home.
His words, “Despite this clear prohibition, some Police personnel still continue to indulge in this unlawful practice in violation of the Police Act.
“The incident occurred on December 10, 2024, at approximately 2 PM in their family compound in Umuhu Okwuato, Aboh Mbaise, Imo State. RULAAC was informed that the operatives arrived searching for Ifeanyi Ugwu (Chinweikpe Ugwu’s older brother) but did not disclose their purpose.
“With Ifeanyi absent, they identified Chinweikpe as his ‘junior brother’. Without any warrant or explanation, the operatives assaulted Chinweikpe with a machete before taking him away. He has been detained at QIT cell.
“RULAAC has further received credible information that the IPO is asking him for a bribe of N 300,000 ‘for bail’ even when they arrested him illegally against the provisions of the Police Act, which prohibits arrest in lieu.
“This act raises grave concerns regarding the violation of rights and due process. We urgently call for an investigation into the actions of the operatives and immediate clarification of Chinweikpe Ugwu’s situation. We urge appropriate authorities to ensure his safety and uphold the law.”
