RULAAC petitions IGP over alleged victimisation, unlawful detention of man at behest of Enugu Magistrate
By Ishaya Ibrahim
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP) over the alleged victimisation of a security consultant, Dr. Robert Anya Nkata, by officers of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Abuja.
According to the petition, signed by RULAAC’s Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, the victimisation stems from a complaint by an Enugu Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Ngozi Edeani. This complaint led to Dr. Nkata’s arrest and continued detention under the alleged supervision of Commissioner of Police Hope Okafor, supposedly at the Magistrate’s instigation.
RULAAC states that the Magistrate alleged an assassination attempt against her, but made the complaint five months later. The alleged attempt was said to have occurred on May 23, 2025, during the burial of her elder brother, the late Chief Stephen Edeh, at Ndiagu Obuno Akpugo, Enugu State.
RULAAC, however, noted: “It is deeply concerning that rather than reporting the alleged incident to the nearest local police formation in Enugu, or the Divisional Police Headquarters, Area Command, or the State Criminal Investigation Department—the complainant chose instead to bypass all local jurisdictions and escalate directly to the office of the Inspector-General of Police in Abuja.
“This practice of jumping the chain of police command and procedure is an abuse of process which the IGP himself has previously cautioned against. It undermines discipline, transparency, and due process within the Force, and often serves as a tool for those with influence to manipulate the police for private or vindictive ends.
“Even more troubling is the five-month gap between the alleged incident of May 23, 2025, and the filing of the petition in October 2025, with no record of any contemporaneous report, investigation, or evidence of threat at the time. The alleged assassination attempt, said to have occurred in full public view and in the presence of numerous dignitaries and security personnel, was not reported at any police station. This raises serious questions about the credibility and motive behind the complaint.
“Information available to RULAAC indicates that the real motive for the petition may be connected to a family dispute and a pending EFCC investigation into alleged share manipulation at Mayfresh Mortgage Bank Limited, where the said Chief Magistrate is alleged to have a vested interest. The attempt to use the Nigeria Police Force to intimidate or settle personal and familial scores constitutes a gross abuse of police powers and a perversion of justice.
“We are equally disturbed by reports that Dr. Nkata was arrested at his residence in Abuja on October 4, 2025, has since been detained at the Force CID, and is being denied bail despite the bailable nature of the allegations and the absence of credible evidence linking him to any crime. Such arbitrary detention contravenes constitutional guarantees of liberty and fair hearing under Sections 35 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
Our Concerns and Demands
“1. Abuse of Police Procedure: The initiation of this matter from Abuja without first routing it through the appropriate local or state police command in Enugu is irregular and contrary to established police procedure.
“2. Possibility of Frame-Up and Vendetta: The suspicious timing of the complaint, the identity of the complainant, and the surrounding circumstances strongly suggest a deliberate attempt to use the Police to persecute and silence Dr. Nkata.
“3. Professionalism and Impartiality: The Nigeria Police Force must resist the temptation to act as a tool in personal or political vendettas. It must act strictly within the law, guided by fairness, transparency, and professional ethics.
“4. Immediate Release of Dr. Robert Anya Nkata: We call for the immediate and unconditional release of Dr. Nkata from unlawful detention, pending a proper and impartial investigation conducted through the appropriate channels.
“RULAAC strongly urges the Inspector-General of Police to order an immediate review of this matter, ensure adherence to due process, and prevent the misuse of the Force by persons of influence. The credibility of the Nigeria Police depends on its ability to act impartially and to protect the rights of citizens, irrespective of status or connection.
“We count on your good office to act swiftly to restore confidence in the professionalism of the Nigeria Police Force.”
