-Condemns Use Of Police To Harass, Intimidate Political Opponents
– Mentions Nonso Nkwa, Ihekweme Issues With Uzodinma
A human rights advocacy group known as Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Center RULAC has condemned in very strong terms the arrest and detention of Dr Fabian Ihekweme, a former Commissioner in the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma’s administration at his Abuja residence.
The group, in a release signed by Okechukwu Nwanguma, as Executive Director, expressed concern about how Ihekweme who has recently been very vocal in his condemnation of what he describes as Uzodinma administration’s anti-people policies and unbridled financial profligacy was arrested and whisked away in the presence of his wife who also expressed concern over her husband’s health and safety, alleging potential plots to eliminate him under the guise of an accident.
The release reads in full, “Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) is gravely concerned about the recent arrest of Dr. Fabian Ihekweme, a former commissioner under Governor Hope Uzodinma, at his Abuja residence. This incident, witnessed by his family, raises serious questions about the motives behind his arrest, particularly given his vocal criticism of Governor Uzodinma’s administration.
Dr. Ihekweme’s wife has voiced alarming worries regarding her husband’s health and safety, alleging potential plots to eliminate him under the guise of an accident. His outspoken condemnation of the pervasive lack of transparency and accountability in governance, alongside the systematic undermining of the judiciary and legislative processes in Imo State, has placed him at serious risk.
This troubling pattern of repression has also affected others, such as Nonso Nkwa, who was similarly detained by police at the behest of Governor Uzodinma and remains unjustly imprisoned. These actions point to a systematic effort to silence dissent and stifle free speech.
We call upon the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, to uphold the integrity of the police force and ensure that any arrest related to complaints from state governors adheres to the due process outlined in the Police Act. Citizens should not be subjected to violent arrests, incommunicado detention, or indefinite holding without formal charges.
The police must resist becoming instruments of oppression, and human rights violations must not be tolerated.
We demand the immediate release of Dr. Ihekweme and Nonso Nkwa or, if necessary, prompt charges brought against them in a court of law, allowing for a fair determination of their guilt or innocence”.
