The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called for the immediate release of Mr. Peter Agwu, who was allegedly detained by the Nigerian Army during his wedding ceremony.
HURIWA expressed its concern over the prolonged detention of Agwu, emphasizing that it is both inappropriate and unconstitutional.
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The group highlighted that Agwu was arrested inside a church in Abia State and that his arrest was reportedly linked to a military wanted list.
However, the Director of Army Public Relations confirmed that Agwu was innocent and promised his release.
HURIWA condemned the Nigerian Army for unlawfully detaining Agwu and urged them to respect citizens’ rights and not act as a tool for violating those rights.
The group also mentioned the emotional trauma experienced by Agwu’s bride and mother-in-law due to his arrest.
According to a human rights group, the Nigerian Army should not act lawlessly and become a tool for violating the rights of citizens.
The group cited media reports and shared the story of Mr. Chibuzo’s bride, who expressed her distress over the emotional trauma she and her mother-in-law have been experiencing since her husband’s arrest.
She explained that they had been visiting the Nigerian Army’s 82DV in Enugu every two days, incurring costs, hoping for his release.
However, they were informed that the case was out of the lieutenant’s hands and awaiting signatures from higher authorities.
The bride pleaded for her husband’s release, emphasizing that he had not committed any offense and that it was unjust for an innocent man to suffer and be humiliated by the very government agency meant to protect him.
The distressed new bride expressed her concern about her aged mother-in-law who is also struggling to cope with the situation.
She emphasized that her mother-in-law has not seen her son since he was arrested on their wedding day, and it has been more than 13 days.
She hopes for his release soon to prevent any harm to her mother-in-law.
The bride also mentioned her disbelief at the treatment her husband has received, stating that such treatment is usually seen in movies and not in real life.
She expressed her confusion about why her husband was arrested without any evidence and kept in detention.
She compared the treatment to that of slaves and emphasized that they are not slaves.
The bride further explained the financial burden they have faced, including the expenses of traveling to the Nigerian Army base in Enugu and the cost of accommodation.
She questioned where the money went, considering they didn’t even have the opportunity to have their wedding.
She expressed her frustration at the emotional stress, shame, stigma, and waste they have experienced. The bride pleaded for her husband’s release before the New Year, as she finds it unfair, inhumane, and unjust to celebrate without him.
HURIWA, along with other human rights groups in the South East of Nigeria, announced their intention to sue the Chief of Army Staff and the Chief of Defence Staff if the innocent citizen is not released within 7 working days, accompanied by sincere apologies.
The human rights organization, HURIWA, announced that it intends to submit a petition to the Chief of Army Staff and the Chief of Defence Staff regarding the ongoing unlawful detention of a Nigerian citizen.
Additionally, HURIWA accused the Nigerian Army of employing outdated and primitive methods to apprehend an individual in place of another wanted person.
HURIWA emphasized that the Nigerian Army’s actions constitute a violation of the citizen’s constitutional rights and demanded the immediate release of Peter Chibuzo Agwu, who was wrongfully arrested due to his association with a fugitive on Facebook.
HURIWA further criticized the military for repeatedly infringing upon the human rights of Nigerians, as many unlawfully detained individuals are released without facing any charges.
