Abuja, Nigeria – A civil rights advocacy group in Nigeria is urging President Bola Tinubu to remove the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, for alleged human rights violations during his tenure. The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the reported violent attack, arbitrary arrest, and illegal detention of journalist Kasarachi Aniagolu of WHISTLER Newspaper.
Aniagolu was reportedly filming a raid on Bureau de Change (BDC) operators in Wuse Zone 4 when she was arrested, despite identifying herself as a journalist. She was said to have been subjected to mistreatment, threats, and had her equipment confiscated. The management of THE WHISTLER Newspaper has since demanded her immediate release.
HURIWA has described the treatment of the female journalist as unacceptable and called for her immediate and unconditional release. The organization emphasized that torture is unconstitutional and demanded that appropriate sanctions be taken against the police officers responsible for inflicting harm on the journalist.
The group expressed disappointment over the purported increase in indiscipline, unprofessional behavior, bribery, corruption, and human rights violations within the police force since Mr. Egbetokun’s appointment as Inspector General of Police. HURIWA lamented that the police appear to be acting above the law and highlighted that Aniagolu’s case is just one of many incidents of police misconduct and abuse of power.
Calling on President Tinubu to address the alleged abuses of constitutional rights by the police, HURIWA also urged the National Assembly and the President to reconstitute the governing board of the Police Service Commission. The group believes that a reconstituted board, comprised of individuals with high standards and merit, could help enforce discipline and professionalism within the Nigerian policing institution.
In a statement, HURIWA reiterated its condemnation of the violation of Aniagolu’s rights and called for swift action to rectify the situation. The advocacy group remains committed to advocating for the protection of human rights and upholding the rule of law in Nigeria.