?Also demands sack of IGP Egbetokun

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has issued a scathing condemnation of the reported violent assault and arbitrary detention of pro-democracy activist, Omoyele Sowore, by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force under the watch of Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

Reacting to reports received from Amnesty International and credible eyewitnesses, HURIWA described the incident as a brazen abuse of power, a criminal display of lawlessness, and a clear evidence that the current IGP is unfit to continue holding office in a democratic society.

According to the disturbing report, Sowore sustained severe injuries to his left hand following a forceful attempt by police officers to drag him out of his detention cell at 6:00am to an undisclosed court?without the knowledge or presence of his legal counsel. He was then reportedly whisked away to an unknown location, raising fresh fears about his safety and the true motives of his detention.

HURIWA strongly condemned ?this orchestrated intimidation and torture of Sowore?, stressing that such unlawful actions have no place in a country that claims to be governed by democratic principles. The association said it is appalled by the silence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who continues to preside over a country where flagrant abuse of citizens? fundamental human rights is now being carried out with impunity by top-ranking security officials.

In a statement on Thursday by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA said: ?The latest assault on Omoyele Sowore is a dangerous signal to all Nigerians. It proves that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, is acting above the Constitution, and the President appears either indifferent or completely out of touch. This raises serious concerns about who is actually in charge of this country. If President Tinubu is serious about defending democracy, he must immediately call the IGP to order or relieve him of his duties.?

HURIWA noted that the basis of Sowore?s harassment stems from his lawful participation in a peaceful protest by retired police officers who were demanding their unpaid entitlements. According to the group, the real ?crime? Sowore committed in the eyes of the police was merely exercising his right to freedom of assembly and expression. Even more disturbing, HURIWA recalled that during one of the protests, a policeman stationed at Force Headquarters reportedly robbed Sowore of his eyeglasses, a crime yet to be addressed by the Nigeria Police Force.

?It is not the protest that is the issue here,? said Onwubiko. ?What HURIWA is highlighting is the fact that a police officer, operating in front of the Force Headquarters in Abuja, openly robbed a citizen?a protester?of his personal belonging. That this was done in broad daylight and no disciplinary action has been announced to date tells you everything you need to know about the state of policing under Egbetokun.?

HURIWA accused the IGP of abusing his office and running the police force like a personal militia against perceived critics. The group also suggested that the IGP is acting vindictively toward Sowore because the activist had publicly questioned whether the IGP had reached retirement age?an issue of legitimate public interest.

?This IGP has made it personal. It is now obvious that his actions are not about law enforcement but vendetta,? Onwubiko said.

?Section 15(5) of the Nigerian Constitution is very clear: The Nigerian state must abolish all forms of corruption and abuse of power. What Egbetokun is doing is the direct opposite?entrenching impunity and tyranny.?

HURIWA also reminded the public of previous allegations involving the IGP, including a well-publicized incident where he reportedly interfered In a legal case involving the Attorney General of Anambra State. In that matter, Egbetokun was accused of undermining state authorities by allegedly attempting to influence judicial proceedings. The group said it is currently compiling additional records of petitions and allegations against the IGP which, according to them, demonstrate a pattern of disregard for rule of law.

The association stated that it is no longer sufficient for civil society groups to issue statements. HURIWA announced that if anything happens to Sowore in police custody, the IGP should be held personally liable. The group vowed to mobilize nationwide protests to ensure that this blatant abuse of power is not swept under the carpet.

?We are warning the IGP in clear terms: if anything happens to Sowore, the human rights community in Nigeria will take to the streets. We are not afraid. Let?s see if he will arrest or kill all of us,? Onwubiko declared.

?The presidency must act now. The silence of President Tinubu on these abuses is complicity. Nigeria is not a dictatorship, and citizens cannot be treated like prisoners in their own country.?

HURIWA therefore demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Omoyele Sowore, urgent medical care for his injuries, and an end to the phantom charges filed against him. The group also called for an independent investigation into his mistreatment and the prosecution of any officers involved in his alleged assault and illegal detention.

Above all, HURIWA insisted that IGP Kayode Egbetokun be relieved of his duties, stating that his continued stay in office is a direct threat to democracy, constitutionalism, and civil liberties.

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