Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), yesterday, called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to investigate police officers’ involvement in alleged unlawful demolitions in the Epe area of Lagos.
The rights group frowned at the demolitions, which reportedly took place under alleged orders from a Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) and the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit, without the knowledge of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police.
Drawing major points from a detailed petition received and acknowledged by the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in Lagos, HURIWA’s national coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, in a statement, highlighted a series of disturbing incidents involving Harmony Gardens and Estates Development Ltd.
In the petition made available to The Guardian, the petitioners claimed that on July 22, one Modupe Oni Orisan, alongside police officers from Zone 2 and a group of hoodlums, allegedly launched an attack on the property of Harmony Gardens, causing extensive damage estimated to exceed one billion naira.
The petition described how irate youths from Oko Orisan apprehended the alleged invader known as Modupe Oni Orisan and the hoodlums, handing them over to the crack team of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police.
It noted that the Zone 2 police officers overseeing the forceful takeover fled the scene when the CP’s team arrived.
The owner of the estate, Dr Saheed Mosadoluwa, intervened and prevented the youths from taking the law into their own hands, urging them to allow the police to handle the situation.
“The financial implications of these events have been significant. The invaders’ alleged activities have reportedly led to substantial losses for Harmony Gardens, including the alleged theft of payloaders worth N180 million The damages inflicted during the alleged attack on July 22 add to the escalating losses, which now include extensive property destruction valued at over one billion naira,” HURIWA referenced the petition.
The group therefore demanded that the IGP take immediate steps to investigate and deal appropriately with the officers implicated in these unlawful acts based on the petition reportedly submitted to the DPP in Lagos.
It also asked that the report of the police investigation be submitted to the DPP just as everyone accused should have a fair hearing based on available facts.
When contacted, the spokesperson for Zone 2, Ayuba Tunni Umma, said: “I have been briefed that our men went there but that was not the picture of what happened. Policemen from Zone 2 were assaulted and three of them are in the hospital.
“They are only trying to manoeuvre because we have been able to arrest the hoodlums that assaulted the police officers. The suspects have been picked. That was not what happened. What they said is not the true story.”
HURIWA insisted that the IGP direct the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the allegations, identifying the officers involved and ensuring that justice is served by submitting the report to the DPP.
The group also applauded the IGP’s stance that the police should not involve themselves in civil matters such as land disputes unless there is a clear threat to law and order.
This position, the association argued, aligns with global best practices and is crucial for maintaining the integrity and professionalism of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
Furthermore, HURIWA stressed the importance of enhancing inter-agency cooperation to ensure a unified approach to law enforcement and the prevention of criminal activities.
The association underscored the necessity for the NPF to strengthen its cooperative relationship with other agencies, such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to prevent the creation of unnecessary tension between these bodies.
It emphasised that its call for an investigation reflects the broader public demand for justice and accountability within the NPF, noting that by addressing these allegations promptly and transparently, the IGP can reinforce public trust in the police force and demonstrate a commitment to upholding the rule of law.
“The petition brings to light the broader issue of police conduct in Nigeria. It is claimed that the actions of certain police officers have not only led to significant financial losses but have also undermined public trust in the NPF. The petitioners argue that without a thorough and transparent investigation, these incidents will continue to erode the credibility of the police force.
“Therefore, this call for an investigation reflects the broader public demand for justice and accountability within the NPF. By addressing these allegations promptly and transparently, the IGP can reinforce public trust in the police force and demonstrate a commitment to upholding the rule of law,” HURIWA asserted.
When contacted, spokesperson for Zone 2, Ayuba Tunni Umma, said: “Our men went there but that was not the picture of what happened because police officers from Zone 2 were assaulted and three of them are in the hospital.
“They are only trying to manoeuvre because we have been able to arrest the hoodlums that assaulted the police officers.”
