Mr. Effiong further stated that the rule of law should be respected in the matter as Nigeria is a country of laws and not a jungle.
“Sir, you will agree with us that irrespective of the opinion held by the Nigeria Police Force, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State who publicly ‘ordered’ the arrest and detention of Our Client, or by any other authority or person about the immediate and remote causes of The Church building collapse, the due process of law must be adhered to without equivocation.
“Nigeria is a country of laws and not a jungle. In this country, it is the Rule of Law and not the rule of force that reigns supreme.
“The world had long graduated from the Hobbesian state of nature where life was short, nasty and brutish, based on the survival of the fittest, to an era of constitutionalism.’’
The fiery human rights lawyer expressed his disappointment with the decision of the police to detain the roof contractor for such a long time without trial when the ‘’prime suspect’’ and Founder of the Church, Apostle Akan Weeks is walking freely with police protection, paid for with tax payers money.
“Painfully, the prime suspect in this matter, the person whose illegal, reckless and desperate decisions, acts and omissions crystallized and contributed greatly to the disastrous incident of 10/12/2016; the very person that ignored several STOP WORK notices placed by the Uyo Capital City Development Authority (UCCDA) on The Church, Apostle Akan Weeks, is walking freely, protected by the men of the Nigeria Police Force, funded with tax payers money.’’
“We are aware that some other persons who worked directly in the construction site were immediately released on bail after making statements to the police.
“The attempt to use Our Client as a scapegoat in this matter is intolerable.’’
Mr. Effiong drew the attention of the State Police Commissioner to the threat to the health and life of Mr. Udoh who he said is suffering from Asthma and gave the police 48 hours to set him free or face legal action.
“We consider the arrest and arbitrary detention of Our Client as a slap on the face of the Nigerian Constitution and democracy.
“There is no legal, moral or logical justification for the unconstitutional manner Our Client has been treated.
“We are confident that you will abide by the reformative policies of the Inspector General of Police as it relates to illegal detention of suspects beyond the period allowed by law, which is 24 hours.”
“As a postscript, we wish to advert your mind to the fact that Our Client is suffering from Asthma and is presently unable to access proper medical care.
“You may wish to interface with the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) of the case (one officer Raymond) who is in custody of the inhaler belonging to Our Client. Our Client’s health and life are in serious jeopardy.”
“In the light of the foregoing, we respectfully demand that you should immediately and unconditionally direct, cause or effect the release of Our Client from custody within 48 hours of receiving this letter/application.
“Our Client undertakes to present himself whenever required, either in the police station or in court.
“Kindly Take Notice that if this application is not granted as prayed, we shall explore all available legal options that are available to Our Client,” Effiong concluded.
The letter was copied to the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Police Complaint Response Unit, Force Headquarters, Abuja; the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Network on Police Reform in Nigeria (NOPRIN).
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