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Wildlife officials caught the animal and released it into a nearby river.

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The Department of State Services (DSS) has paraded some supporters of Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, who were arrested during a raid on his residence at Soka in Ibadan Oyo State. 

The spokesperson for the service, Peter Afunnaya, who addressed journalists on Thursday night in Abuja said the service got intelligence that Ighoho had stockpiled arms in his house. 

Igboho's passport SaharaReporters Media

He said DSS operatives came under heavy attack by nine men suspected to be his guards with six of them armed with AK- 47 and pump-action rifles. 

See Also Breaking News BREAKING: Department Of State Services Confirms Killing Sunday Igboho's Aides, Asks Him To Report To Nearest Police Station 0 Comments 4 Hours Ago

Afunnaya said during the exchange of gunfire, two of Igboho's men were gunned down while the rest were subdued and arrested. 

He added that one of the operatives sustained gunshot injuries during the encounter. 

He said items recovered during the operation include seven AK-47 assault rifles, 3 Pump Action Guns, 30 fully charged AK-47 magazines, 5, 000 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 5 cutlasses, and 1 Jackknife.

Others include 2 pistol holsters, 1 binocular, 18 walkie-talkies, 3 voodoo charm jackets/ traditional body armour. 

Thirteen suspects were paraded. 

Afunaya said,  "Highlights of this brief are to inform Nigerians and the world that Sunday Igboho and his group, in the guise of a campaign for self-determination, have become well-armed and determined to undermine public order. 

"The arrest and seizures are no doubt confirmation of a grand plan by Igboho and cohorts to wage a violent insurrection against the Nigerian state. 

"Alert foreign missions and licensing authorities within and outside Nigeria about this development and the possibility that Igboho could declare some of his personal permit and identity cards missing in order to seek their replacement.  

"Consequently Adeyemo/Igboho is advised to turn himself in to the nearest security agency." 

 

See Also CRIME How Military Men Evacuated Bodies Of People Killed In Igboho's House With Cross Country Bus—Neighbour 0 Comments 12 Hours Ago

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The Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, has written to the British High Commissioner in Nigeria, Catriona Laing, asking that the British authorities file a Diplomatic Note with Nigeria's Federal High Court indicating Britain's sovereign interest in his trial as a British citizen.

Kanu, in the letter exclusively obtained SaharaReporters and written by his legal counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, on Thursday, said the British authorities must declare that he is not a criminal but "a person who possesses a political opinion which the Nigerian authorities are seeking to suppress using punishment of some sort."

Nnamdi Kanu

The IPOB leader was arrested and detained since Sunday with the Department of State Services in Abuja and had been taken to court in chains and handcuffs while his trial was adjourned to July 26.

In a copy of the letter to the UK High Commissioner, made available to SaharaReporters on Thursday night, Ejimakor reiterated that Kanu, being a British citizen, did not travel with a Nigerian passport to Kenya where he was abducted.

Ejimakor, in the letter titled, "Re: Urgent Request for Consular Assistance to OKWU-KANU, Nwannekaenyi Nnamdi Kenny (a British Citizen)", established legal, political and diplomatic reasons to defend the pro-Biafra secessionist Leader.

He also established that there was no extant order of extradition by any British court that was officially processed to deport Kanu from Kenya to Nigeria. He, therefore, asked the British Government to demand the release of Kanu urgently.

The letter reads, "We are solicitors to the above-named British citizen, on whose behalf and Instruction we write this letter to request urgent Consular assistance to him. Mr. Okwu-Kanu (aka Nnamdi Kanu) is the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Director of Radio Biafra, both of which are corporate citizens of the United Kingdom.

"Mr. Kanu resides in the United Kingdom, from which soil he departed on an overseas trip on or about June 19, 2021, on a British Passport No: 556543086 (copy of biographic page attached herewith).

"We are reliably informed that while he was on said overseas travel, he was intercepted in Kenya by Nigeria's foreign security agents and brought to Nigeria against his will on or about June 27, 2021, and 'arraigned' before the Federal High Court in Abuja without the benefit of Counsel on June 29, 2031. Currently, he is being detained in the Directorate of State Security Services (DSS) custody in Abuja.

"Your Excellency, permit us to point to a few legal, political and diplomatic issues that have been implicated in this matter. They are;

"Mr Kanu is a British citizen travelling on a valid British passport when he was seized in a third country and forcibly brought to Nigeria. Such an act constitutes an unlawful rendition of a bonafide British citizen.

"He was not travelling on Nigerian passport or the passport of any other country, including that of Kenya. There is no extant Order of extradition by any British Court or any other foreign Court (including Kenya) and we are informed that no pending extradition proceedings are standing against him in Britain or Kenya.

"There is no deportation Order by any Kenyan Court or other authority that made him subject to deportation. But if there was, the country of his deportation should have been Britain on which passport he was travelling. Deporting him to Nigeria just because he was born in Nigeria, but not travelling on her passport, is unlawful under international law.

"The enterprise upon which Mr Kanu is engaged, which is: seeking the restoration of the defunct State of Biafra through a referendum is a protected political opinion (i.e. self-determination) under British and Nigerian Laws, where it is enacted at CAP A9, Article 20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

"In our view, the manner of his interception and forcible deportation to Nigeria is extra-legal and does not comport with the pertinent international laws and treaties to which Nigeria is subject."

Ejimakor also asked the British authorities to view Kanu as a political prisoner entitled to a set of political opinions and not a criminal.

"Based on the foregoing, we hereby make the following Prayers; That Mr Kanu be granted every possible Consular assistance to which he is entitled as a British citizen; that Mr Kanu be categorized as a high profile political prisoner or a prisoner of conscience and be thus rendered the highest diplomatic protection under municipal and international laws.

"That the Nigerian authorities be prevailed upon to immediately allow access to Mr Kanu by his Lawyers, Doctors and Family members.

"That the Nigerian authorities be prevailed upon to immediately avail Mr Kanu the opportunity of being taken to any hospital of his choice for medical examination.

"That the British authorities file a Diplomatic Note or other legal processes with Nigeria's Federal High Court and the Office of the Attorney General of Nigeria indicating her sovereign interest in Mr Kanu's matter.

"That the British authorities declare that Mr Kanu is not a criminal but a person who possesses a political opinion the Nigerian authorities seek to suppress using punishment of some sort.

"That the British authorities urgently demand the unconditional release of Mr Kanu from detention. While we await your urgent and most favourable considerations of our Prayers, please be assured of our highest esteem for Your Excellency, the High Commission and the British Government," the letter added.

DOCUMENT: Nnamdi Kanu - Consular Letter by Sahara Reporters on Scribd

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The Department of State Services (DSS) has confirmed that the joint security operatives killed two allies of Yoruba rights activist, Sunday Adeyemo popularly called Sunday Igboho during an invasion of his residence in Ibadan, Oyo state.

Briefing newsmen on the operation on Thursday night, DSS spokesperson, Peter Afunanya urged Igboho to report himself to the nearest police station.

SaharaReporters Media

He said no one is above the law of the land, while adding that those apprehended at his residence would be charged to court.

The secret police also paraded no fewer than 12 suspects arrested during the joint operation.

Some of the items allegedly carted away from his house include passports, charms, guns and dollars.

SaharaReporters had reported how Ighoho’s house in the Soka area of Ibadan, Oyo state was attacked around 1am on Thursday.

At least 10 vehicles belonging to the self-styled activist, including his G-wagon, Prado SUVs, and valuable properties, furniture, and windows were destroyed.

Bullet holes were also seen on the buildings in the compound by our correspondent while blood was on the floor. 

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The flag-off of a constitutional review exercise across the country has sparked reactions and debates from Nigerians. The plethora of insecurity, nepotism, poverty, social inequalities and ethnic bigotry in the Nigerian polity prompted the urgent need for a constitutional review.

The constitutional review was to be geared towards repairing the existing lacuna in the constitution. This was seen as a welcome development as it would act as a panacea to the country’s challenges.

It seemed the appeal for a constitutional overhauling from Nigerians including some elders statesmen across the nation has finally yielded results but it has been observed it is nothing but a humiliating defeat from the country's political elites.

As a keen political observer and analyst and in reaction to the statement of the Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo Agege, who stated that “we don't have the power to repeal or amend the constitution”, I put this pen to paper. 

The assertion from the DSP did not only sadden my heart but made me conclude that the constitutional review exercise was already going to be dead on arrival.

As a historian, I know that lawmakers are key players in the constitutional review of a country and the National Assembly of Nigeria is not excluded from this task.

However, other organs of government like the executives, the judiciary and as well the masses can also champion this course.

In advanced countries, absolute power lies with the masses but the reverse is the case in Nigeria, where the ruling elites consider the masses as inept, unfit and are in urgent need of psychological guidance.  

The current constitution should be amended to suit the country's challenges. But among the many political stakeholders across the country, there are already doubts about the envisaged outcome of this exercise.

Indeed the constitutional review exercise is still ongoing but one can conclude that it is going to be a mere National exercise and a political discussion that would dominate Nigeria's political headlines for a while.

But if we desire to achieve the envisaged outcomes, the current constitution should be overhauled.

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The Lagos State Police Command says no form of rally by ‘secessionist agitators’ will be allowed in the state on Saturday.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu disclosed this in a statement obtained by SaharaReporters.

Lagos CP Hakeem Odumosu.

Organisers of the planned Yoruba Nation rally including Professor Banji Akintoye and Sunday Igboho had chosen the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota as the venue.

Despite an attack on Igboho’s residence with less than 72 hours to the proposed rally in Lagos, Akintoye has declared that there is no going back on the planned demonstration.

“We want to confirm again that the Pro-Yoruba Nation rally scheduled to hold on Saturday, July 3rd, in Lagos will proceed as scheduled,” a statement by his Communications Manager, Maxwell Adeleye.

In a twist, Igboho, according to a BBC Pidgin, was quoted to have said that the rally has been suspended due to security concerns.

Reacting to the planned rally, Odumosu said anyone caught participating or facilitating the rally would be dealt with within the ambit of the law.

The statement read, “The attention of the Lagos State Police Command has been drawn to the news making rounds and a press statement signed by one Olayomi Koiki, dated 30th June, 2021, that some individuals have concluded plans to stage a mega rally, in continuation of the secessionist agenda for Oodua Republic, on 3rd July, 2021, at Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota, Lagos State.

“The Lagos State Police Command hereby warns that no rally will be allowed, under whatever guise, in any part of the state.
"The Command, therefore, warns the organisers and their followers against staging the planned rally and stay clear of streets of Lagos for the interest of the State and the general public as anyone caught participating or facilitating the rally will be dealt with within the ambits of the law.

“Lagos State cannot afford to experience any security lapses, breakdown of law and order and threat to public peace at the moment, considering the negative effects and reoccurring agonies of the October 2020 violent #EndSARS crisis that led to massive destruction of public and private facilities while some police personnel paid the supreme price. This is in addition to many police stations, barracks, officers’ personal properties that were set ablaze during this period. "The Command is still going through those harrowing experiences. The Command will not be cajoled by the so-called organisers that the rally will be peaceful. That was the same slogan adopted by the organisers of the #EndSARS protest that eventually snowballed into crises with attendant massive destruction of lives and properties. The police will not submit to their antics.

“It would be recalled that on the 12th June 2021 there was a rumoured stay-at-home order purported to have been issued by a group which was immediately debunked by Lagos State Police Command. On this note, the Command still reaffirms that on no account will any actual or rumored activities including the said planned mega rally be allowed to lock down the state or hinder normal daily activities of the good people of Lagos State.

“Intelligent report available to the police indicates that some disgruntled elements have perfected plans to infiltrate the ranks of the protesters and cause more mayhem and seize the opportunity to attack and loot properties of law-abiding citizens of the state. Similarly, it has gotten to the knowledge of the Command that the organizers’ footsoldiers and mobilizers have concluded plans to embark on procession on the streets of Lagos as part of the programme for the mega rally.

“The effect of this, if allowed to come to fruition is better known than imagined on the security, traffic, and economic activities of a cosmopolitan state, like Lagos. This, if allowed could be a fatal ground to anarchy.

“Intelligence also reveals that one Elewe-Omo, a transport union leader in Ibadan, Oyo State, has perfected plan to attack the organisers of the rally as a reappraisal attack to the death of one of his followers allegedly killed by one Sunday Igboho’s group during a similar rally organised in Ibadan, Oyo State sometimes ago. The cumulative effect of all these is a threat to law and order in the State. The Command will not fold its hands and allow disgruntled elements to truncate the peace being enjoyed in the state.”

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The Lagos State Police Command says no form of rally by ‘secessionist agitators’ will be allowed in the state on Saturday.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu disclosed this in a statement obtained by SaharaReporters.

Lagos CP Hakeem Odumosu.

Organisers of the planned Yoruba Nation rally including Professor Banji Akintoye and Sunday Igboho had chosen the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota as the venue.

Despite an attack on Igboho’s residence with less than 72 hours to the proposed rally in Lagos, Akintoye has declared that there is no going back on the planned demonstration.

“We want to confirm again that the Pro-Yoruba Nation rally scheduled to hold on Saturday, July 3rd, in Lagos will proceed as scheduled,” a statement by his Communications Manager, Maxwell Adeleye.

In a twist, Igboho, according to a BBC Pidgin, was quoted to have said that the rally has been suspended due to security concerns.

Reacting to the planned rally, Odumosu said anyone caught participating or facilitating the rally would be dealt with within the ambit of the law.

The statement read, “The attention of the Lagos State Police Command has been drawn to the news making rounds and a press statement signed by one Olayomi Koiki, dated 30th June, 2021, that some individuals have concluded plans to stage a mega rally, in continuation of the secessionist agenda for Oodua Republic, on 3rd July, 2021, at Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota, Lagos State.

“The Lagos State Police Command hereby warns that no rally will be allowed, under whatever guise, in any part of the state.
"The Command, therefore, warns the organisers and their followers against staging the planned rally and stay clear of streets of Lagos for the interest of the State and the general public as anyone caught participating or facilitating the rally will be dealt with within the ambits of the law.

“Lagos State cannot afford to experience any security lapses, breakdown of law and order and threat to public peace at the moment, considering the negative effects and reoccurring agonies of the October 2020 violent #EndSARS crisis that led to massive destruction of public and private facilities while some police personnel paid the supreme price. This is in addition to many police stations, barracks, officers’ personal properties that were set ablaze during this period. "The Command is still going through those harrowing experiences. The Command will not be cajoled by the so-called organisers that the rally will be peaceful. That was the same slogan adopted by the organisers of the #EndSARS protest that eventually snowballed into crises with attendant massive destruction of lives and properties. The police will not submit to their antics.

“It would be recalled that on the 12th June 2021 there was a rumoured stay-at-home order purported to have been issued by a group which was immediately debunked by Lagos State Police Command. On this note, the Command still reaffirms that on no account will any actual or rumored activities including the said planned mega rally be allowed to lock down the state or hinder normal daily activities of the good people of Lagos State.

“Intelligent report available to the police indicates that some disgruntled elements have perfected plans to infiltrate the ranks of the protesters and cause more mayhem and seize the opportunity to attack and loot properties of law-abiding citizens of the state. Similarly, it has gotten to the knowledge of the Command that the organizers’ footsoldiers and mobilizers have concluded plans to embark on procession on the streets of Lagos as part of the programme for the mega rally.

“The effect of this, if allowed to come to fruition is better known than imagined on the security, traffic, and economic activities of a cosmopolitan state, like Lagos. This, if allowed could be a fatal ground to anarchy.

“Intelligence also reveals that one Elewe-Omo, a transport union leader in Ibadan, Oyo State, has perfected plan to attack the organisers of the rally as a reappraisal attack to the death of one of his followers allegedly killed by one Sunday Igboho’s group during a similar rally organised in Ibadan, Oyo State sometimes ago. The cumulative effect of all these is a threat to law and order in the State. The Command will not fold its hands and allow disgruntled elements to truncate the peace being enjoyed in the state.”

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Veteran American athletic coach and 1968 Olympic 400m champion, Lee Evans has been laid to rest in a tomb at a private cemetery of the Segun Odegbami International College and Sport Academy, in Ogun state.

The former world record holder of 400m event was buried on Thursday, in accordance with his wishes before he died.

It was gathered that the burial site was chosen according to the wishes of the late coach with the help of his families.

Evans worked with many Nigerians athletes whom he helped to reach stardom. 

The choice of burial site it was gathered was in accordance with the late coach’s wishes, and with the support of the siblings and children of the deceased.

Evans passed on Wednesday, May 19, 2021.

Records have it that Evans, who died at age 74 years, among many other achievemens, was the first man to run under 44 seconds in the 400 metres event earning him the Gold medal at the Mexico City Olympic Games in a time of 43.86s.

Also, his two world records in his chosen sport, earned him an induction into the USA Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1983.

While he had worked on grassroots sports development across Nigeria in various capacities at different times; Evans’ last ongoing project in the country was with football legend, Segun Odegbami, Premium Times reports.

Odegbami in one of his tributes to Evans said: “His (Evans) last few months on earth were spent dreaming big about a future with young boys and girls passing through the Segun Odegbami International College and Sports Academy, SOCA, and teaching and training them to be first-class student-athletes.

Evans suffered a stroke in Nigeria shortly before his death and was unconscious in a hospital, according to the San Jose Mercury News.

Evans was 21 when he won the 400m at the Mexico City Games in 43.86 seconds, the first time somebody broke 44 in the event.

He was a founding member of the Olympic Project for Human Rights and one of the athletes to fight for racial justice before and during those Games.

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Veteran American athletic coach and 1968 Olympic 400m champion, Lee Evans has been laid to rest in a tomb at a private cemetery of the Segun Odegbami International College and Sport Academy, in Ogun state.

The former world record holder of 400m event was buried on Thursday, in accordance with his wishes before he died.

It was gathered that the burial site was chosen according to the wishes of the late coach with the help of his families.

Evans worked with many Nigerians athletes whom he helped to reach stardom. 

The choice of burial site it was gathered was in accordance with the late coach’s wishes, and with the support of the siblings and children of the deceased.

Evans passed on Wednesday, May 19, 2021.

Records have it that Evans, who died at age 74 years, among many other achievemens, was the first man to run under 44 seconds in the 400 metres event earning him the Gold medal at the Mexico City Olympic Games in a time of 43.86s.

Also, his two world records in his chosen sport, earned him an induction into the USA Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1983.

While he had worked on grassroots sports development across Nigeria in various capacities at different times; Evans’ last ongoing project in the country was with football legend, Segun Odegbami, Premium Times reports.

Odegbami in one of his tributes to Evans said: “His (Evans) last few months on earth were spent dreaming big about a future with young boys and girls passing through the Segun Odegbami International College and Sports Academy, SOCA, and teaching and training them to be first-class student-athletes.

Evans suffered a stroke in Nigeria shortly before his death and was unconscious in a hospital, according to the San Jose Mercury News.

Evans was 21 when he won the 400m at the Mexico City Games in 43.86 seconds, the first time somebody broke 44 in the event.

He was a founding member of the Olympic Project for Human Rights and one of the athletes to fight for racial justice before and during those Games.

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The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), popularly known as Shiites has raised fears over the deteriorating health of its leader, Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, and his wife, Zeena, who are being held in Kaduna prison. 

The group in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the Secretary, Academic Forum of the Movement, Abdullahi Musa disclosed that their health condition has deteriorated and that they require urgent medical treatment. 

While lamenting the poor health condition of the couple, the sect said it has become a source of worry and concern. 

It said the Nigerian government should be held responsible should anything bad happen to them.

The statement added that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led regime remained defiant and continued to hold them without the required medical or surgical treatment despite several court orders, entreaties, appeals, and protests asking for their release. 

The statement said, "Nearly a year ago, on the 24th of October, 2020, to be exact, a visit to Sheikh El-Zakzaky by his only surviving son, Mohammed, unwrapped that although the Sheikh and his wife were alive, proper medical attention was all they needed in earnest. Yet, if the condition has ever changed, it is for the worst. Right now, they could only do with a state-of-the-art medical facility. 

"Up to now, they have been suffering from many injuries in their bodies and resultant multiple life-threatening health challenges. Even so, the current health condition of Sheikh El-Zakzaky and his wife is causing considerable distress. It is also a constant source of worry to many Nigerian citizens.

"Therefore, it is worth public attention as it continues to deteriorate by the day. In spite of all this, and defiance of several court orders, Buhari continues to hold them without the required medical or surgical treatment."

The statement added that it was obvious that the ploy by the Nigerian government was aimed at prolonging his stay in detention and toying with his life. 

"Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky is being affected by progressive glaucoma, cervical spondylitis, and there are up to 55 bullet fragments with excessive lead and cadmium poisoning in his body. 

"There has been a serious case of sleep disorder, recurrent spiking hypertension, and episodes of stroke. Virtually a year ago, his cardiac ischaemia and ventricular hypertrophy were found to deteriorate to a severe degree, now requiring cardiac catheterisation. 

"Of course, there is more to the Buhari regime's wilful denial of proper medication to the couple than meets the eye; and such dilly-dallying is a matter of great concern. It is another cause for alarm because it is nothing but a move to complete what they started at the tail end of 2015."

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The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), popularly known as Shiites has raised fears over the deteriorating health of its leader, Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, and his wife, Zeena, who are being held in Kaduna prison. 

The group in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the Secretary, Academic Forum of the Movement, Abdullahi Musa disclosed that their health condition has deteriorated and that they require urgent medical treatment. 

While lamenting the poor health condition of the couple, the sect said it has become a source of worry and concern. 

It said the Nigerian government should be held responsible should anything bad happen to them.

The statement added that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led regime remained defiant and continued to hold them without the required medical or surgical treatment despite several court orders, entreaties, appeals, and protests asking for their release. 

The statement said, "Nearly a year ago, on the 24th of October, 2020, to be exact, a visit to Sheikh El-Zakzaky by his only surviving son, Mohammed, unwrapped that although the Sheikh and his wife were alive, proper medical attention was all they needed in earnest. Yet, if the condition has ever changed, it is for the worst. Right now, they could only do with a state-of-the-art medical facility. 

"Up to now, they have been suffering from many injuries in their bodies and resultant multiple life-threatening health challenges. Even so, the current health condition of Sheikh El-Zakzaky and his wife is causing considerable distress. It is also a constant source of worry to many Nigerian citizens.

"Therefore, it is worth public attention as it continues to deteriorate by the day. In spite of all this, and defiance of several court orders, Buhari continues to hold them without the required medical or surgical treatment."

The statement added that it was obvious that the ploy by the Nigerian government was aimed at prolonging his stay in detention and toying with his life. 

"Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky is being affected by progressive glaucoma, cervical spondylitis, and there are up to 55 bullet fragments with excessive lead and cadmium poisoning in his body. 

"There has been a serious case of sleep disorder, recurrent spiking hypertension, and episodes of stroke. Virtually a year ago, his cardiac ischaemia and ventricular hypertrophy were found to deteriorate to a severe degree, now requiring cardiac catheterisation. 

"Of course, there is more to the Buhari regime's wilful denial of proper medication to the couple than meets the eye; and such dilly-dallying is a matter of great concern. It is another cause for alarm because it is nothing but a move to complete what they started at the tail end of 2015."

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The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has demanded the release of a police sergeant, Ugochukwu Ukaegbu detained on the order of the Assistant of Inspector General of Police, Ene Okon in Abia.

 

According to RULAAC, Okon ignored proper police disciplinary measures but decided to have illegally detained Ukaegbu and his colleagues who are in the Anti-Cultism Unit of Abia State Police Command in Umuahia based on a petition by a woman, Joy Chima.

File photo used to illustrate story.

The group revealed that Ukaegbu has been in detention for two weeks owing to the complaints made by the woman that the sergeant and his team demanded money from her to release her seized tricycle.

 

In a statement made available to SaharaReporters by RULAAC Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma on Thursday, AIG Okon without investigating the matter just commanded that Ukaegbu be detained without due process.

 

“Two weeks ago, a senior police officer at Zone 9, Umuahia called to inform RULAAC that one Sgt. Ugochukwu Ukaegbu attached to the Anti-Cultism Unit, Abia State Police Command, Umuahia had been in custody for five days- as at the date of information- at the Zone 9 Headquarters on the orders of the AIG in charge of Zone 9, AIG Ene Okon.

 

“According to the information, the Sgt. was among a team of officers that handled a case of robbery where suspects confessed to have used a tricycle (Keke) for the operation but the investigating team refused to release the said Keke to the woman identified as Joy Chima who claimed that the Keke belongs to her.

 

“Upon this development, the woman who is said to be close to the AIG, petitioned the AIG alleging that the team demanded money from her to release her Keke. It was based on this allegation that the AIG ordered the detention of Sgt. Ukaegbu and his team members and has kept them in detention till date- into the second week.

 

“Upon receiving this complaint, RULAAC attempted to reach AIG Okon on the phone to verify the information and urge him to respect the officers' due process rights and to treat them in accordance with the laws and established police disciplinary procedures. He did not respond.

 

“RULAAC then sent him a text requesting him to respect the rights of the officers to due process. Again he did not reply,” the statement read in part.

 

The group revealed that it has made attempts to reach the police boss, but he did not respond to the matter, adding that no Nigerian citizen should be detained more than 48 hours at most under the constitution without being charged to court.

 

“This morning, more than one week later, the senior police officer called again to remind us that it has entered the second week since Sgt Ugochukwu Ukaegbu and his team mates of Anti-Cultism Unit, Abia State Command have been detained at Zone 9 based on the orders of the AIG Zone 9, Umuahia.

 

“Again, we sent a message to the AIG drawing his attention to the continued, indefinite detention of the officers and inquiring if there is any internal (police) rules or regulations that permit such long detention of an officer for any offence whatsoever?

 

“We drew his attention to the fact that the constitution does not permit the detention of any citizen beyond 24 hours or at most 48 hours. We asked for his release from unlawful detention

 

“Again, the AIG did not respond and we followed up with a phone call to the AIG and he told us that 'the Sgt is a police officer subject to police rules and regulations.' Before we could say a word further he said 'carry your rule of law to anywhere... I'm busy, please, bye bye' and he hung up," the statement revealed further.

 

According to RULAAC, AIG Okon has reacted arrogantly to the matter as he asked the group to ‘take (their) rule of law to anywhere’, a statement that betrayed a law enforcement officer.

 

It, then, called on the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba to intervene in the matter so as to get justice for Ukaegbu and his colleagues.

 

“We are shocked beyond words that an officer of the level of an AIG could act so lawlessly and frivolously and still be posturing arrogantly as though there's nothing wrong about violating the rights of an officer by detaining him indefinitely. His dismissive and defiant utterance challenging us to 'take (our) rule of law to anywhere' clearly indicates his contempt for the rule of law.

 

“We are not aware that the Police Act and Regulations or any subsidiary legislation governing police discipline permits the detention of a police officer indefinitely for any offence. A police officer is a human being and therefore is also entitled to the enjoyment of human rights, just like other citizens.

 

“We are concerned that when a police officer who has attained the exalted rank of AIG acts with such hubris, arrogance and defiance he represents a huge risk to public safety and a threat to the rule of law. This is because he occupies an important and sensitive office and stands a chance of becoming the IGP and it would be a disaster having such an officer as IGP.

 

“We request the IGP to intervene and order the AIG Ene Okon to immediately release Sgt Ugochukwu Ukaegbu and others and not to further victimise them based on this complaint,” the statement added.

Human Rights Police News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
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The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has demanded the release of a police sergeant, Ugochukwu Ukaegbu detained on the order of the Assistant of Inspector General of Police, Ene Okon in Abia.

 

According to RULAAC, Okon ignored proper police disciplinary measures but decided to have illegally detained Ukaegbu and his colleagues who are in the Anti-Cultism Unit of Abia State Police Command in Umuahia based on a petition by a woman, Joy Chima.

File photo used to illustrate story.

The group revealed that Ukaegbu has been in detention for two weeks owing to the complaints made by the woman that the sergeant and his team demanded money from her to release her seized tricycle.

 

In a statement made available to SaharaReporters by RULAAC Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma on Thursday, AIG Okon without investigating the matter just commanded that Ukaegbu be detained without due process.

 

“Two weeks ago, a senior police officer at Zone 9, Umuahia called to inform RULAAC that one Sgt. Ugochukwu Ukaegbu attached to the Anti-Cultism Unit, Abia State Police Command, Umuahia had been in custody for five days- as at the date of information- at the Zone 9 Headquarters on the orders of the AIG in charge of Zone 9, AIG Ene Okon.

 

“According to the information, the Sgt. was among a team of officers that handled a case of robbery where suspects confessed to have used a tricycle (Keke) for the operation but the investigating team refused to release the said Keke to the woman identified as Joy Chima who claimed that the Keke belongs to her.

 

“Upon this development, the woman who is said to be close to the AIG, petitioned the AIG alleging that the team demanded money from her to release her Keke. It was based on this allegation that the AIG ordered the detention of Sgt. Ukaegbu and his team members and has kept them in detention till date- into the second week.

 

“Upon receiving this complaint, RULAAC attempted to reach AIG Okon on the phone to verify the information and urge him to respect the officers' due process rights and to treat them in accordance with the laws and established police disciplinary procedures. He did not respond.

 

“RULAAC then sent him a text requesting him to respect the rights of the officers to due process. Again he did not reply,” the statement read in part.

 

The group revealed that it has made attempts to reach the police boss, but he did not respond to the matter, adding that no Nigerian citizen should be detained more than 48 hours at most under the constitution without being charged to court.

 

“This morning, more than one week later, the senior police officer called again to remind us that it has entered the second week since Sgt Ugochukwu Ukaegbu and his team mates of Anti-Cultism Unit, Abia State Command have been detained at Zone 9 based on the orders of the AIG Zone 9, Umuahia.

 

“Again, we sent a message to the AIG drawing his attention to the continued, indefinite detention of the officers and inquiring if there is any internal (police) rules or regulations that permit such long detention of an officer for any offence whatsoever?

 

“We drew his attention to the fact that the constitution does not permit the detention of any citizen beyond 24 hours or at most 48 hours. We asked for his release from unlawful detention

 

“Again, the AIG did not respond and we followed up with a phone call to the AIG and he told us that 'the Sgt is a police officer subject to police rules and regulations.' Before we could say a word further he said 'carry your rule of law to anywhere... I'm busy, please, bye bye' and he hung up," the statement revealed further.

 

According to RULAAC, AIG Okon has reacted arrogantly to the matter as he asked the group to ‘take (their) rule of law to anywhere’, a statement that betrayed a law enforcement officer.

 

It, then, called on the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba to intervene in the matter so as to get justice for Ukaegbu and his colleagues.

 

“We are shocked beyond words that an officer of the level of an AIG could act so lawlessly and frivolously and still be posturing arrogantly as though there's nothing wrong about violating the rights of an officer by detaining him indefinitely. His dismissive and defiant utterance challenging us to 'take (our) rule of law to anywhere' clearly indicates his contempt for the rule of law.

 

“We are not aware that the Police Act and Regulations or any subsidiary legislation governing police discipline permits the detention of a police officer indefinitely for any offence. A police officer is a human being and therefore is also entitled to the enjoyment of human rights, just like other citizens.

 

“We are concerned that when a police officer who has attained the exalted rank of AIG acts with such hubris, arrogance and defiance he represents a huge risk to public safety and a threat to the rule of law. This is because he occupies an important and sensitive office and stands a chance of becoming the IGP and it would be a disaster having such an officer as IGP.

 

“We request the IGP to intervene and order the AIG Ene Okon to immediately release Sgt Ugochukwu Ukaegbu and others and not to further victimise them based on this complaint,” the statement added.

Human Rights Police News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/3ejCwne