– Says: Arrest, Detention, Threat To Free Speech
A Coalition of human rights groups have reacted to the release issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye in respect of the abduction of Dr Fabian Ihekweme from his Abuja residence recently.
The groups in a release signed by Chibundu Uchegbu, Convener, Beyond Platform, James Nwokoro, Coordinator, Okigwe Zone Think Tanks (OZTT), Ezinne Francis, Widows Welfare Foundation and Chukwudi Nwosu, Promote Justice (JP), said, “Yesterday, Dr. Fabian Ihekwueme, the former Commissioner for Foreign Affairs in Imo State, was abducted by unidentified gunmen in Abuja. As concerns arose about the identity of the abductors and their motives, the Imo State Police Command released a statement through its Public Relations Officer (PPRO). The statement revealed that Dr. Ihekwueme was not abducted, but rather lawfully arrested by detectives from the Imo State Police Command. This arrest followed a formal petition by the Imo Democratic Alliance (IDA), which accused Dr. Ihekwueme of making seditious and inflammatory publications aimed at inciting civil unrest in the state. According to the PPRO, a duly signed warrant of arrest was obtained prior to his detention, although the location where the warrant was obtained was not disclosed.
Although we recognise the constitutional duties of the police to ensure peace and order in society as well as to effect arrests where necessary, we demand answers to the following questions, given the police assertion that they followed due process in arresting Dr. Ihekwueme”.
The groups also raised some probing questions, including if the police on receiving the petition from IDA, formally invite Dr Ihekweme to respond to the allegations leveled against him in line with relevant laws. “If so, the evidence should be made public”.
They also wondered if it is legally practicable for the police authority in Imo State to effect arrest outside its command, specifically in Abuja, headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force.
Continuing, the group said, “Was the leadership of the police in the FCT duly notified before the arrest was effected by the Imo State Police Command?
These questions are crucial in determining whether the police followed due process in arresting Dr. Ihekwueme.
Although the police claimed they acted on petitions from the Imo Democratic Alliance (IDA) in arresting Dr. Ihekwueme, it’s widely known that the primary reason for his arrest was his consistent writings and calls for Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, to provide quality leadership. Specifically, Dr. Ihekwueme demanded that the governor allows Local Government Areas (LGAs) to exercise their full autonomy as ruled by the Supreme Court, and address various issues affecting Imo State workers and citizens.
These demands made by a citizen in a democratic environment, warrant a response in the form of performance and accountability from leaders, not arrest. In a democratic society, citizens expect their leaders to deliver on promises and address their concerns, rather than silencing them through intimidation or arrest.
One can’t help but wonders how an organization like the Imo Democratic Alliance, which prides itself on democratic values can find these fundamental principles uncomfortable and label them “seditious and inflammatory publications.” The police acted on these petitions, claiming they weren’t influenced by external factors. This is reminiscent of the trumped-up charges brought against Mr. Chinonso Uba (Nonsonkwa) last October. Unfortunately, he remains in detention till this day.
May we remind the authorities of the state that no amount of intimidation can suppress our constitutionally guaranteed freedom of speech and assembly. In the coming weeks, Amnesty International and other human rights organizations will publish their assessment of the state’s human rights record for the year. Given Imo State’s blatant disregard for free speech, it’s likely that the state’s human rights record will be poor. Therefore, we call on President Bola Tinubu to urge the Imo State government to respect citizens’ rights as provided in the Constitution. Anyone unwilling to respect these rights should not assume any constitutional responsibility.
Finally, since the Imo State Police Command has asserted that due process was followed in the case of Dr. Fabian Ihekwueme, we urge them to immediately charge him to court before the expiration of the time provided in the Constitution or release unconditionally. Anything short of this would be a stark departure from their assertion and a serious breach of the Constitution. It’s not the duty of the police to determine who is guilty of sedition and inflammatory publications; that’s the exclusive duty of the court”.
