The Initiative For Social Rights Concerns And Advancement, ISRCA also know as “No Justice, No Peace” has urged the Delta State government and State Police Command to investigate the cases of alleged brutalization and assault of some youths by the Police which led to the death of Okediachi Emeka.
ISRCA National Coordinator, Derrick Agberen made the call in a statement sent to newsmen in Delta State.
The group insisted that cases of police brutality, extra-judicial killings, extortion and lawlessness still exist in the state, warning that the brutalities and lawlessness by law officers against civilians must stop.
Cautioning youths in the state to remain calm and treat Police officers with respect regardless of the situation, the group said the human rights of citizens should be protected by the police as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The people cannot afford to contend with two things at the same time; hardship and harassment from Police officers, a supposed institution expected to protect the people.”
It would be recalled that the Delta State Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda recently condoled with the Okediachi family over the death of their son, Emeka.
CP Abaniwonda in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department to take over the case and ensure that a thorough investigation is carried out.
He assured the deceased family that no stone would be left unturned and that if found culpable, the operatives would be made to face the law.
“The command is aware of a series of publications making rounds across some social media platforms alleging that operatives of the command are responsible for the death of one Okediachi Emeka.
“The Commissioner of Police CP Olufemi Abaniwonda on behalf of the command condoles with the family of the deceased.
“For the avoidance of doubt and for members of the public not to be misled especially via social media which has been known to be an easy way to spread falsehood, the command wishes to state thus;
“On the 14th of November 2024 at about 0100 hours, the command received a distress call from a concerned citizen that there were some suspicious-looking persons around DBS road.
“Operatives of the command were detailed to move to the scene and the operatives who were at that time along Nnebisi Road proceeded to the scene.
“On their way, they sighted a Venza SUV with reg. No GWK-646-FF but the occupants of the vehicle on noticing they were Policemen zoomed off.
“The operatives who were already acting on a distress call suspected the Venza Vehicle hence they went after them.
“They chased them to a compound along the Nnebisi axis. The passengers alighted and were running in a bid to escape from the Police.
“The driver was arrested immediately while the deceased initially escaped. A few minutes later, right there at the scene, the suspect came out with blood on his head and stated that he hit his head on a wall.
“The Police swiftly took him to the hospital and paid for his medical bill. At about 0500 hours of the same date, the deceased was brought to the Police headquarters where statements were recorded and the deceased said in his statement that he hit his head on a wall fence while running away from the Police.”
However, despite the police version of events that unfolded, ISRCA insists that the Nigeria police have lost the trust and cooperation of the people, having failed to uphold human rights and foster a positive relationship between them and the public.
The group said, ”When citizens feel their rights are respected, they are more likely to cooperate with the police. On the other hand, citizens tend to revolt against the Police when there are constant abuses of human rights. Therefore, the Police should make every effort to avoid a repetition of #EndSars.
“The level of development of any society is partly a function of the relative peace enjoyed in such a society and the task of maintaining peace and order in Nigeria is the responsibility of the police. Human rights principles are fundamental and by enforcing and adhering to these principles, the Police agency can foster a safer, more just society. Unfortunately, this is the opposite of present-day realities.
“While, I will keep advocating for good hiring practices by the Nigeria Police Force for applicants and regular and necessary training for both junior and senior Police officers, especially having respect for human rights, the Delta State Government must demand some sense of responsiveness from the Nigeria Police Force Delta State, ensuring human rights are upheld.
“The State Police Command should not hesitate but keep punishing erring officers, as it will discourage this behaviour among the Nigeria Policemen. Area Commanders.
”Divisional Police Officers should put caution first, admonishing Police officers under their supervision to desist from the habits of assaüłting, brütàłizing suspecting/unsuspecting members of the public but upholding human rights values in their approaches.”
Alleged Extra-Judicial Killing: Group blasts Police, demand investigation into Okediachi’s murder
