RULAAC raises alarm over alleged political persecution in Enugu, demands IGP intervention
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has raised concerns over what it describes as a growing pattern of police powers being used to intimidate and harass political opponents in Enugu State, calling on the Inspector-General of Police to launch an urgent, independent investigation.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, the organisation said it had received multiple complaints from citizens, lawyers and political figures alleging that arrests, investigations and prosecutions in the state are increasingly targeting individuals based on their political affiliations or criticism of public officials.
RULAAC said supporters of a particular faction within one of Enugu’s major political parties appear to be facing coordinated police action, with some individuals already under investigation over political activities and others living in fear of arrest.
The group linked these concerns to the earlier case of an Enugu-based lawyer and elected lawmaker whose prolonged detention sparked widespread debate over due process and alleged political interference in the justice system.
While stressing that it does not intend to pass judgment on any individual case, RULAAC insisted that the pattern of complaints demands scrutiny, warning that criminal justice institutions “must never become instruments for resolving political disputes or weakening democratic opposition.”
The organisation reminded the Nigeria Police Force of its constitutional duty to remain politically neutral, noting that public trust depends on assurance that police powers are not deployed selectively for partisan ends. It cited constitutional guarantees on free expression, peaceful assembly, political participation and fair hearing as rights that must be protected, particularly ahead of Nigeria’s next election cycle.
RULAAC issued five key demands to the IGP:
*An independent review of all complaints of politically motivated policing in Enugu State
*A review of related case files at Force Headquarters to check compliance with due process and the Police Act 2020
*A guarantee that no citizen faces arrest or prosecution solely for political opinion or affiliation
*A directive reaffirming political neutrality across all police commands nationwide
*Disciplinary action wherever abuse of police powers is confirmed
The group also urged the Police Service Commission, the National Human Rights Commission, the Nigerian Bar Association and civil society groups to stay vigilant in defending the independence of law enforcement institutions, warning that democracy “cannot flourish where citizens fear arrest for their political beliefs.”
