Politics
Lawyers Demand Accountability From Police Chief Over Alleged Illegal Actions
Lawyers Demand Accountability From Police Chief Over Alleged Illegal Actions....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
A consortium of legal practitioners, represented by the Lawyers of Conscience, has called upon the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Kayode Egbetokun, to take immediate action to address allegations of harassment leveled against a human rights activist, Mr Victor Giwa, in Abuja.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, spokesperson Mr Maxwell Opara expressed grave concern over reports that police personnel were allegedly intimidating Giwa following his involvement in a legal dispute concerning property ownership. The consortium emphasized that such actions undermine the rule of law and civil liberties.
The lawyers further urged the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to intervene decisively in the matter. They stressed the need for the police to respect judicial processes and refrain from undue interference in civil matters under adjudication.
According to Opara, the controversy stemmed from a property dispute involving Mrs Asabe Waziri, an employee of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, which resulted in several legal proceedings at the FCT High Court. Despite an eviction order issued against Waziri, she allegedly sought police intervention to enforce her claims, contrary to established legal procedures.
Opara reiterated that resorting to law enforcement agencies in civil matters sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the judiciary’s authority. He underscored the consortium’s commitment to pursuing legal action against any further harassment of Giwa, emphasizing the importance of upholding constitutional rights and due process.
The consortium concluded by calling on the IGP to uphold the integrity of the police force and ensure that officers respect the law in all circumstances. They warned of potential legal repercussions should such incidents persist unchecked.
