HURIWA Appeals to IGP Over Alleged Unlawful Demolitions

HURIWA has called on the Inspector General of Police to intervene in alleged unlawful demolitions affecting citizens. Discover the details of the complaint and the implications for affected communities.”

Urgent appeals have been made by the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) to Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police (IGP), for an investigation into claims of illegal demolitions orchestrated by suspected armed hoodlums purportedly in cahoots with police officers.

On Tuesday, HURIWA expressed its discontent over the demolitions that were apparently carried out without Lagos State Commissioner of Police’s consent and allegedly under instructions from Assistant Inspector General (AIG) and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit.

The national coordinator of HURIWA, Emmanuel Onwubiko, stated that after receiving a detailed petition acknowledged by the Director of Public Prosecutions in Lagos and made available to their organization, disturbing incidents involving Harmony Gardens and Estates Development Ltd. were brought to light. The major points from this petition were emphasized.

The petition outlined that the enraged adolescents of Oko Orisan caught hold of both the accused intruder and troublemakers, relinquishing them to the elite team supervised by Lagos State’s Police Commissioner.

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It was highlighted that as soon as CP’s squad arrived at the location, Zone 2 police officers who were managing a forcible acquisition legged it away from there. Honorable Dr Saheed Mosadoluwa- proprietor of said property-pitched in his efforts to deter juveniles from resorting to vigilantism or taking matters into their grasp instead coaxing them towards permitting cops’ involvement for crisis resolution.

HURIWA referred to the petition which stated that the reported actions of the invaders have resulted in significant financial ramifications.

Harmony Gardens has suffered substantial losses, including a purported theft of payloaders worth 180 million Naira and extensive property damage valued at over one billion Naira due to an alleged attack on July 22.

Therefore, HURIWA called for the prompt investigation and appropriate punishment of officers involved in these illegal activities by the IGP based on a petition allegedly sent to the DPP office in Lagos. Additionally, it is crucial that the findings of police investigations are submitted to the DPP so that those accused can receive a fair trial founded on factual evidence.

The organization demanded that the IGP instruct the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to carry out a thorough probe into the accusations, pinpointing those responsible and ensuring accountability by submitting findings to the DPP.

HURIWA expressed its approval of the IGP’s position that law enforcement should refrain from intervening in civil issues such as property disputes, unless there is an evident risk to public safety and security.

The association contended that adopting this position is essential for preserving the integrity and professionalism of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in line with international standards.

Additionally, HURIWA underscored the significance of boosting collaboration among agencies to guarantee a cohesive strategy towards law enforcement and thwarting unlawful acts.

The organization emphasized the importance of enhancing collaboration between the NPF and other agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to avert superfluous friction among them.

HURIWA highlighted that its plea for an inquiry reflects the wider populace’s desire for fairness and answerability in regards to the NPF. It observed that by swiftly and openly tackling these claims, the IGP can boost public confidence in law enforcement while exhibiting a pledge towards safeguarding legal principles.

The petition sheds light on the wider problem of police behavior in Nigeria. Allegedly, some officers’ actions have resulted in considerable financial damages and diminished public confidence in the NPF. The signatories contend that failing to conduct a comprehensive and transparent inquiry into these occurrences will further undermine trust in law enforcement’s credibility.

HURIWA asserted that the demand for an investigation reflects a larger public desire for justice and accountability within the NPF. By responding to these allegations quickly and openly, the IGP can strengthen public confidence in law enforcement while demonstrating dedication to upholding legal standards.

The significance of utilizing appropriate channels for lodging complaints was emphasized by the association to discourage resorting to media blackmail or other forms of public pressure. By advocating for adherence to legal protocols, HURIWA sought to foster a fairer and more organized society.

Apart from the economic and societal consequences, HURIWA drew attention to the humanitarian toll of these illicit demolitions. They underlined that families and individuals who have poured their life savings into these buildings are shattered, enduring both monetary devastation and psychological distress. The organization urged the IGP to take a sympathetic approach when resolving such conflicts while considering its wider implications.

HURIWA has emphasized the pressing concerns of police behavior, property ownership rights, and justice in light of reported illicit demolitions occurring in Lagos. In our plea addressed to the IGP, we stress on an immediate and comprehensive inquiry into these accusations along with necessary measures taken against those responsible. Our dedication persists towards advocating human liberties while holding powerful individuals accountable for their actions.