The Nation Newspaper

Tag: CDHR

  • Stop assigning police escorts to questionable characters, CDHR urges IGP Egbetokun

    Stop assigning police escorts to questionable characters, CDHR urges IGP Egbetokun

    The national President Committee For Defence Of Human Rights (CDHR), Comrade (Dr) Kehinde Prince Taiga, has expressed concerns over the character of personalities that moves around with police escorts. 

    He urged Inspector General of Police (IGP) Olukayode Egbetokun to commence the process of profiling people before assigning police to them.

    Speaking against the backdrop of prevailing situation in the society where individuals with criminal records and fraudulent means of livelihood were seen in public space with police escorts attached to them, Taiga, noted that such undeserving privilege must be properly checked in the interest of a decent society we all craved.

    He described the situation where a country with huge security manpower deficit would be allocating police escorts to inconsequential individuals as highly unreasonable and a disservice to the nation, noting the earlier the police boss put a permanent stop to this abnormal policy, the better for the masses who are very vulnerable in the society.

    Making the stand of the body known in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri, Taiga lamented a situation where known criminals like ‘Yahoo Boys’, ‘Money launderers’, land grabbers and dubious characters would be flaunting police escorts and even using them to oppress the people they have cases with either in police stations or courts.

    According to him: “We recently conducted a survey on those private individuals that were seen with police escorts in public places and we realized that must of them made their money through dubious means and they use their I’ll-gotten wealth to secure police escorts with which they further commits more crimes and oppress those they perceived as their enemies in the society”.

    Read Also: Egbetokun to police offices: uphold rule of law

    “We are therefore using this medium to call on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, to immediately commence the process of profiling all those that had been assigned police escorts with the intention of pulling out those allocated to people who doesn’t deserve them in the interest of the nation”.

    “We can’t be complaining that we lacked adequate security manpower to combat the huge crime rates in the country today and yet we are busy allocating the scares security personnel to undeserving individuals in the society while the generality of the people are not well protected.”

    The body also alleged Police and the Judiciary were placing priority on ‘highest bidder’ while handing criminal and civil cases in the society, stressing that more often the policemen and judges gives preferential treatments to the  rich even when they are the culprits against the poor complaints whenever such matters comes before them.

    “We have watched with keen interest how this ugly trend where both the police and the judiciary tend to favour the rich against the poor in the society, even when the rich individuals have been found guilty of the crime committed and we are saying enough is enough of this miscarriage of justice”.

    “Therefore, we wish to use this opportunity to call on the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and Chairman, National Judicial Council (NJC) Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to bring about the needed reforms in the judicial system and bring to an end the corruption, mostly Per-Incuriam judgement and misrepresentation of justice in the country today, inorder to build trust and confidence in the common man on the nation’s justice system”.

    On the Ember month, CDHR, also call on IGP Egbetokun to read the Riot Act on professional misconduct to his men and officers across country as some of them may indulge in some sharp practices out of the desperation to making quick money for the purpose of celebrating the Yuletide with their families.

    He noted that such call to be of good behavior by men and officers of the Nigerian police this festive period had become necessary as the people are always at the receiving end of these sharp practices, adding that such desperation would not augur well. 

  • CDHR demands probe of alleged land grabbing In Delta

    CDHR demands probe of alleged land grabbing In Delta

    Foremost Rights group, Committee for Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), has decried the alleged conspiracy by some influential individuals within the Asaba province of Delta State to deprive a female land owner of her property. 

    It  urged Inspector General of Police (IGP) Olukayode Egbetokun, to promptly intervene in the interest of justice.

    The organisation, which alleged due to the strong connections of those involved in the alleged land grabbing,  the case which ought to have been investigated by Delta Command was transferred to the Force Headquarters, Abuja, appealed to Egbetokun to reverse the matter to its original investigating unit for convenience.

    CDHR, in a statement signed by its national President, Comrade (Dr) Kehinde Prince Taiga, noted that cases of oppressive land grabbing using the instrumentality of security agencies had been on the increase in Delta State and other parts of the country for some time and it has become very expedient to up an end to the injustices in the interest of masses.

    Making references to series of petitions written by the legal representative to the land owner, the Rights group maintained that the plots to dispossess Hajia Halima of her property were being masterminded despite evidence of ownership by her counsels to appropriate government agencies for prompt action in the case.

    According to the statement, one of such was by a laws firm; OG Nwachukwu & CO, (Gifted Chamber), in a protest latter, dated October 2, 2024, addressed to the Inspector General of Police, where it was established that Hajia Halima acquired properties behind WICHTECH, Delta State, from Amachai Community, Delta State.

    “Our client had upon completion of the purchase of the property, paid all the communal dues and other fees as required, after which she fenced her property. 

    “She had built on the property, 2 security houses, 2 uncompleted buildings comprising of a 2 bedroom apartment each, 4 fish ponds (of which one was concrete and the others, trampoline), a borehole, CCTV camera stations, Chicken houses for poultry, a German Shepherd security dog, 63 Turkey birds, plantain trees, as well as other economic trees planted.

    “On September 20, 2024, our client received a distress call from her security guard at the property, informing her that the property was being demolished by some persons who had forcefully made their way into the land. He further informed our client that the assailants had come with bulldozers and also had policemen present at the scene as they destroyed everything on the property.”

    Read Also: NLC cautions police against starting undemocratic agenda over siege on CDHR office

    Taiga, also made reference to another protest letter by AL-JABBAAR & ASSOCIATES, (Legal Practitioners & Consultants) on behalf of Hajia Halima petition IGP Kayode Egbetokun, where a case of court contempt was established against some individuals who masterminded the said attack on the client’s property and threatened her life.

    “That to the greatest shock again of our client, her findings reveals some agents of the land grabbing cartel within the Police Force used their position at the Force Headquarters, perfected the arrangement to over this case transferred out of the state to Abuja to allegedly frustrate her and at the end bury the matter. 

    “We are therefore soliciting the intervention of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Olukayode Egbetokun, in bring the matter back to Delta state and direct the Police Command to carry out thorough investigations on it before charging the case to court, in order to allow all the parties present documents to their ownership claim of the property for adjudication in court of competence jurisdiction,” the CDHR stated. 

  • CDHR urges Ambode to decongest prisons

    The Lagos State chapter of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has urged Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to decongest prisons before he leaves office on May 29.

    Speaking yesterday during a peaceful march to the Alausa seat of the government, as part of the activities to mark the 30th anniversary of the group, the Chairman, Comrade Alex Omotehinse, said a visit to Ikoyi and Kirikiri Maximum/Medium Prisons during the week showed that they were congested.

    He advised the government to intervene.

    He said most of the inmates were those who committed minor offences and whose cases were being delayed by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who he said, had little time to go through the files.

    Omotehinse condemned the spate of extrajudicial killings by the police, citing the killing of Kolade Johnson by the police at Onipetesi, Ikeja on Sunday.

    “Today is the Day 5 of our 30th anniversary. CDHR was formed in 1989 when a unionist, now a lawyer, Mr. Femi Aborishade, was detained under Decree 2 by the then government of Ibrahim Babangida.

    “We have visited the prisons and we saw the deplorable conditions under which the inmates are being kept.

    “Part of our discovery is that one of the prisons had 3000 inmates over its capacity. Many of the inmates are victims of circumstances.

    “We are challenging the police to respect human dignity. We want them to respect human rights. If they want to take people to court, they should do so.

    “For instance, they take someone that commits capital offence to a magistrates’ court that does not have jurisdiction and then the file will be taken to the DPP that will not attend to it for eight or even nine months.

    “We are not encouraging building of more prisons. We want the government to decongest the prisons in Badagry, Kirikiri, Ikoyi and others.

    “We have a lot of cases pending there. A file that is not up to 30 pages will be pending with the DPP for months,” he said.

    On extrajudicial killings, Omotehinse said this should be condemned by right thinking persons.

    He recalled that he led a protest when three people were killed at Makoko last year.

    “Police officers who killed people were allowed to go scot-free in the past. But I am impressed that this time, the police commissioner has paid a condolence visit to the bereaved family.

    “It is only a court of competent jurisdiction that can sentence people to death.

    “Some of the people in the prisons were made to sign their statements under duress.

    “We appeal to Governor Ambode to decongest the prisons. The Attorney-General should also be up and doing,” Omotehinse said.

    The activists were later addressed by the Special Adviser to the Governor (SSA) on Civic Engagement, Taiwo Aiyedun, who hailed them for their courage and for fighting for the common man. “The government identifies with your agitations,” he said.

    Omotehinse presented a letter and a gift to Aiyedun for transmission to the governor, who he praised for his developmental projects across the state.

     

  • CDHR advocates violent-free polls in Akwa Ibom

    The Committee for the Defence of the Human Right (CDHR), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, has urged security agencies to be non-partisan if the generally elections are to be a success.

    It said any person or group intending to disrupt the peace during the elections and thereafter should be dealt with according to law irrespective of party affiliations.

    In a statement by its state chairman Comrade Pius Philip Ntuen, the group condemned the burning of buses conveying electoral materials and the alleged killing of innocent persons in Obot Akara Local Government Area.

    “We urge all political parties, their supporters and agents to maintain peace, caution their agents and advise their supporters to eschew violence and ensure peaceful elections in Akwa Ibom State.

    “We also call on security agencies to maintain absolute neutrality, total impartiality and complete objectivity expected of them under the law to reinforce the confidence reposed in them by the teeming electorate for peaceful and credible elections in Akwa Ibom State,” CDHR said.

    It urged the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Mr Mike Igini to maintain his impartiality and neutrality.

  • CDHR asks INEC to apologise to Nigerians, others

    REACTIONS continued yesterday to trail last Saturday’s postponement of the elections as the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to apology to Nigerians and representatives of international communities observing the country’s elections.

    In a statement issued in Lagos yesterday and signed by its President, Malachy Ugwummadu, the CDHR demanded for a thorough inquiry by an independent panel to ascertain what happened that led to the postponement.

    It also demanded for a clear explanation from INEC as to the circumstance and exact reason why the election was postponed, appropriate sanction to relevant persons, who failed in their responsibility.

    The rights group said this would serve as a deterrent, adding that consideration for decentralisation and unbundling of INEC along the multifaceted responsibilities of that commission have now become imperative.

    Ugwummadu blamed INEC for allowing itself to be caught in the interplay of power when the National Assembly foot-dragged on the consideration and approval of INEC budgetary allocation, leaving them with serious time constraints in sourcing and procuring election materials.

    He noted with disappointment the postponement of the general elections on account of general poor logistics, saying that this development, few hours before the elections, raises so many questions as to the capacity of INEC to conveniently discharge on its mandate.

  • Defence of Nigerians’rights, freedom is our priority, says CDHR

    The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has reiterated its commitment to expand the outreach for the defence of the rights and freedom of Nigerians, rule of law, democracy and good governance.

    This was the thrust of a communiqué issued after its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at its national secretariat in Ikeja, Lagos.

    The communiqué signed by CDHR Publicity Secretary, Peter Ekine said the NEC of the committee further resolved to protect and advance the rights of citizens for the consolidation of democracy, peace, security and sustainable development.

    “NEC resolved to promote coalitions to build strong resistance to all forms of abuses and abusers and renewed its commitment to ensure that CDHR remains a viable voice for the voiceless”,

    To achieve this, it resolved to enhance the training of its members and promote progressive strategies and programmes.

    CDHR NEC  expressed worry  that  the rights of the people have continually been grossly  abused such that Nigerians generally feel insecure and their lives and property unprotected noting that right to life and security of property have become more threatened with the incidences of herdsmen killing of farmers  and other extra-judicial killings.

    It contended that corruption was responsible for the hardship and poverty felt across the country and emphasized that the menace must be fought with perceivable transparency.

    It therefore urged government to stop all incidences of criminality, including extra-judicial murders and all other acts that infringe on the fundamental rights of the people in any part of the country by agents of the state.

    It cited the killing of its member, Christian Njoku allegedly murdered by some policemen  from Ekan Police Station, Warri, Delta State and one David Ananobi allegedly shot and killed by one Police Inspector (names with held) of Elele Police Station in Rivers State.

    The organisation demanded that heads of the security formations like the Police, military and para-military institutions must be made to take responsibility for insecurity and abuse of citizens in their areas of operation.

    It promised to engage in sensitisation of the citizens on electoral participation and on the need for the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) to always deliver credible elections, deepen engagement in election monitoring and evaluation for improvements to ensure that the electoral body does not fail Nigerians.

    CDHR expressed disappointment in the failure of President Muhammadu Buhari to assent to the Electral Act (Amendment) Bill 2018 especially as it affects the amount chargeable by political parties payable by aspirants for purchase of forms for expression of interest for election into various positions.

    It said the failure of the President to assent to the amendment to the electoral bill has unfortunately retained the status quo where parties fixed exorbitant prices for forms for expression of interest, thereby excluding many aspirants from participating in the process.

    The CDHR NEC condemned the incidents of vote buying  and electoral violence in elections recently held in some states including the governorship election in Ekiti State and bye-elections in Rivers, Kogi, Katsina, Kogi and Cross Rivers States. It said the trend of vote buying has become worrisome and  stressed the need for security agencies to rise to the menace in the coming governorship elections in Osun State and 2019 elections.

    It particularly enjoined INEC to ensure free and fair elections in Osun State this month so that the outcome of the exercise would be generally accepted by all in order to build confidence in Nigerians  ahead of their expectation in the 2019 general elections.

  • CDHR hails Falana at 60

    Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has extolled the Chairman of its Board of Trustees (BOT), Mr Femi Falana (SAN), on his 60th birthday.

    It prayed God to strengthen the SAN on his unflinching struggle against human rights violations, selfless defence of oppressed citizens and his uncommon service to humanity.

    The group enjoined its members and Nigerians to emulate Falana’s virtues having weathered the oppressives, storms and defied damning challenges while standing for the oppressed for decades.

    CDHR, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Henry Peter Ekine, described Falana as a relentless, courageous, incorruptible and the most vocal human rights activist in Nigeria.

    It said Falana “is a committed promoter of true democratic ideals, rule of law and good governance”.

    Falana was a founding member of CDHR 30 years ago. He also served as its President.

    The group’s National President Malachy Ugwummadu wished Falana “a blissful and prosperous 60th birthday”.

  • EU, BBOG, CDHR, PDP condemn abduction

    EU, BBOG, CDHR, PDP condemn abduction

    There has been a torrent of reactions to Monday’s Boko Haram attack on Dapchi, Yobe state and the believed abduction of some of the school girls.

    The European Union (EU) said it stood resolutely with the people and government of Nigeria in the fight against insurgency.

    EU in a statement issued in Abuja noted that an attack on children is an attack on entire humanity.

    The statement reads: “Targeting children and abducting young girls as they seek to attend school is an attack on our common humanity.

    “The EU sends its solidarity with the affected families and the people of Nigeria. The girls deserve freedom and a chance to shape their own future.

    “The EU remains committed to supporting the Government of Nigeria in its fight against terrorism and all forms of criminality.

    “We stand resolute to continue our humanitarian and development work, including the rights and protection of girls.”

    The members of the #BringBackOurGirls (#BBOG) advocasy asked the government to locate the whereabouts of the Dapchi girls.

    “There have been conflicting reports on the incidence among state and federal institutions and officials . This draws dreadful and eerie similarities with the confusion that surrounded official communication following the abduction of our #ChibokGirls on 14th April 2014 who have remained with the Boko Haram terrorists for 1, 410 days today The group said in a statement by its spokesperson Sesugh Akume.

    The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) condemned the unfortunate attack and described the development as “primitive and wicked.”

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has charged the federal government and the security agencies to rescue the girls abducted by Boko Haram insurgents at the Government Girls Technical Secondary School, Dapchi in Yobe State.

    The PDP, at its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Thursday, faulted official reports indicating that 48 of the girls, who were abducted in their school hostels on Monday, had been rescued by security agencies.

  • CDHR insists on enforcing N145 pump price

    CDHR insists on enforcing N145 pump price

    Delta State branch of Committee for Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has said it will continue ‘operation sell petrol at N145 per litre’, at filling stations. It said no amount of intimidation would stop its operation.

    The Chairman, Comrade Kehinde Taiga, was reacting to reports credited to the DPR Zonal Operations Controller, Warri, Mr. Antai Asuquo, who described the group’s operation as an impersonation.

    CDHR, on Monday, went to filling stations in Warri, compelling attendants to sell at the official price of N145 per litre.

    Taiga said: “Before we embarked on the operation, our publicity secretary visited DPR office in Warri to seek their cooperation to end fuel price hike, but they said they could not work with us.

    “On the issue of illegality stated in their publication, we informed Delta State Police Command, Asaba about our operation and the deputy commissioner of police, Operations, invited us for a meeting, which lasted hours, before we embarked on the operation.

    “A similar joint operation was carried out in Ondo State by CDHR and DPR last December and it yielded result, as petrol pump price was reverted to N145. I don’t know what Delta DPR is hiding by refusing to cooperate with us.

    “We cannot be intimidated. ‘Operation sell petrol at N145 per litre’ continues.

    “DPR should tell us measures being taken to seal off a filling station in the morning and before afternoon the same station is reopened. Why are stations still selling above N145 per litre and DPR is not doing anything?

    “I assure the public that the committee will protect their interest.”

  • DPR slams CDHR for alleged impersonation

    DPR slams CDHR for alleged impersonation

    The Zonal Office of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) in Warri has alerted the public to the ‘illegal activities’ of unauthorised organisations and individuals, going round fuel stations in Warri to execute its functions.

    DPR’s Zonal Operations Controller in Warri Antai Asuquo spoke while reacting to a reported ‘enforcement operation’ carried out on Monday by the Delta State Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) in Warri.

    CDHR, led by its state Chairman, Kehinde Taiga, reportedly picketed petrol stations on Okumagba Avenue, Warri, on Monday, to prevent them from selling above the approved pump price of N145.

    But Antai described CDHR’s action as illegal.

    He vowed to file a complaint to appropriate authorities, saying DPR officials were on the field to ensure that marketers complied with the approved pump price.

    “We did not authorise CDHR to conduct surveillance on our behalf. Our officers are always on the field to enforce compliance to the government approved pump price of N145 per litre. The public should note that the committee was on an illegal operation, we did not send them, neither did they act on our behalf, and we will report the matter to the appropriate authority.

    “As I promised, we will ensure there is compliance to the approved pump price. We deploy two monitoring teams every working day in the field to ensure we cover local governments.

    “We will visit petrol stations to make sure they dispense at the approved pump price of N145 per litre,” Antai said.

    He said the agency had sealed off over 150 erring fuel stations since the scarcity resurfaced last month, adding that it would enforce compliance.

    Taiga said the committee embarked on the exercise because “DPR has failed in its responsibility.

    “We call it ‘Operation sell at N145 or quit business’. We visited three petrol stations, dispensed fuel for over an hour in each of the stations to people at N145. Some even at no cost to persons.”