Why 35 CSOs petition senate against Imo Police brutality

DDM NEWS

CSOs

Thirty-five civil society organizations (CSOs) have petitioned the Senate, accusing the Imo State Police Command of extra-judicial killings and torture.

The CSOs are calling for an investigation into these allegations and for the Senate to take steps to address the situation.

The CSOs claim that the Imo State Police Command has been involved in extra-judicial killings, which are killings carried out without due process or judicial proceedings.

The organizations also allege that the police have engaged in torture, which is a serious human rights violation.

The CSOs are concerned about the apparent disregard for human rights by the Imo State Police Command.

The organizations are calling for accountability and transparency in the police force to prevent such abuse

The Senate has the power to investigate these allegations and take appropriate action.

The Senate’s oversight role can help ensure that the police force is held accountable for its actions.

The allegations against the Imo State Police Command highlight the need for police reform and greater accountability within the force.

The case underscores the importance of protecting human rights and ensuring that law enforcement agencies operate within the bounds of the law.

The petition by the 35 CSOs brings attention to serious concerns about the Imo State Police Command’s actions.

The Senate’s response will be crucial in addressing these allegations and promoting accountability and respect for human rights.

The CSOs stated this in a petition signed by Rule of Law, Accountability and Advocacy Centre, Lagos; Spaces for Change, Lagos; Elixir Trust Foundation, Benue State; Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development, Abia State; World Impact Development Foundation; Centre for Community Empowerment and Poverty Eradication, llorin; Imam Mahdi Foundation for Global Peace and 30 others, a copy of which was obtained by our correspondent on Monday.

The petition, which was addressed to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, through the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, was titled, ‘Urgent Call for the Senate’s Investigation into Human Rights Violations by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Imo State Police Command, Tiger Base.’

The petition reads in part, “We, the undersigned, hereby submit this petition to urgently bring to your attention the alarming activities of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Imo State Police Command, located at Tiger Base.

The operations of this unit have been reported to be far worse than those of the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad, with numerous documented instances of egregious human rights violations.

“Over the past one week, a serialized investigative journalism report (herewith attached), supported by testimonies from victims and survivors, has highlighted the atrocities committed and which must be thoroughly reviewed.

The report reveals shocking accounts by victims, survivors, relatives of victims and survivors, activists and human rights defenders and witnesses of egregious human rights atrocities, corruption and flagrant abuse of power sustained by impunity and the failure of the police and police oversight authorities to investigate allegations and ensure accountability and justice.

The report was also based on responses by the Nigeria Police, Correctional Services, the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, the Police Service Commission, and the National Human Rights Commission, among other respondents.

“’Tiger Base,’ as the notorious police unit has come to be generally known, was set up to tackle incidents of violent crimes, but the activities of the unit bear no resemblance to the requirements of the law or professional policing standards.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook