The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has drawn the attention of Enugu State Commissioner of Police (CP) to alleged dehumanising conduct and activities of armed policemen at Trans-Ekulu/Government Reserved Area (GRA) road in the metropolis.

In a letter dated September 30, which was officially received by the CP on Tuesday, October 4, the Commission disclosed that reports of police brutality and inhuman conducts were brought to it by a Non Governmental Organisation called CHOFA.

A Federal commissioner, Ozo Joe Mmamel, who signed the letter, stated that “I personally investigated the complaints and to my dismay, saw armed men of the Nigeria Police Force menacingly packing vulnerable women, young men and tricycle riders.

“They were brazenly harassing them and only letting some of them free after collecting money from them in the full glare of the public, replicating one of the major causes of #EndSARS riots,” he added.

Part of the complaint letter reads: “May I bring to your attention the dehumanising conduct of armed policemen along Trans-Ekulu/GRA Road, Enugu, before and after the Trans-Ekulu Bridge. The policemen do these ungodly acts without empathy for the long queue of vehicles caused by disruption of traffic flow, which causes road users to be on gridlock for hours coupled with bad roads. The conduct of these policemen falls short of international best practice and also an infringement on the fundamental rights of ordinary citizens to free movement.”

The Commission requested the Commissioner of Police to “use your good office to admonish your men and officers to stop these wanton infringements,” even as it noted that the people of the state are noted for good and civilised behaviour. (The Guardian)

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