By Onyewuchi Ojinnaka
A non-governmental organisation and human rights defender, the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), has commended the actions of Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police (IGP), Abubakar Adamu, by intervening on the activities of some overzealous police officers who were killing citizens and destroying their property.
The officers were supposed to be monitoring the compliance of Nigerians with the COVID-19 Pandemic lockdown ordered by the Nigerian Authorities.
The Executive Director of Civil Liberties Organisation, Comrade Ibuchukwu Ohabuenyi Ezike, while commending the IGP, said that the organisation gathered that IGP Adamu has ordered the arrest and trial of the lawless officers who killed a young man in Ohafia, Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State and others who destroyed the property of a certain businessman in Lagos State, among others.
According to CLO findings, the police officers now-turned suspects had been apprehended, detained and undergoing Order Room Trials.
CLO also expressed happiness with the development and promised to work with the IGP to address these acts of impunity and help in returning Nigeria to a comity of civilised world.
It noted that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Ohafia Police Division is also undergoing serious interrogation on the killing of the young man in Ohafia which led to the burning down of the Police station built with tax payers money by angry citizens.
The human rights defender commends the civilised and good work of the IGP which promotes respect for human rights, and urges him to maintain steady eyes on his officers and men, pointing out that some of them still operate under military hangover and have penchant for violating human rights, due process and the rule of law.
“Bringing them to accountability in the event of these wanton abuses and destruction will tame the tide of indulgence in these crimes by officers on duties.
“We have also observed that some officers drink excessively and smoke marijuana, ex-cetera, even while on duties and thereafter lose their common, normal senses in dealing with the civilian population.
