... give verdict over alleged rights violations
By Chukwudi Osuji
Human Rights Committee of the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Owerri Branch led by Dr. Ethelbert Obiora Eze on Saturday paid an unscheduled visit to the Anti Kidnapping Unit of the Imo State Police Command, otherwise known as Tiger Base.
The visit according to them followed recent complaints made by one Barrister Chinedu Agu, alleging violations of detainees' rights, including undue detention, extortion and other allaged unlawful practices by personnel of the unit.
The committee during the visit inspected the entire facility within the unit, including the cells wherein they interviewed some detained suspects regarding their alleged committed crimes.
The Human Rights lawyers also interacted with the top management team of the command, present during the inspection visit and made recommendations for effective policing.
They also commended the unit led by ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa for their unweaving commitment and laudable contributions in combating high level crimes in the state as well as on the quality of infrastructure at the unit.
"We are here basically to see that all standard of human rights and dignity of life are observed and respected by personnel of the Anti Kidnapping Unit of the command." Eze said.
Responding, the Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, represented by his deputy incharge of Operations, DCP Hazmat Abdukadri thanked the team for the visit and assured them that their concerns would be addressed.
CP Bosso also reiterated the commitment of the command to ensure that all personnel are rule of law compliant, corrupt free as well as discharge their duties professionally and with due diligence.
He maintained that the command had never spare officers who violated citizens rights especially the suspects under their custody, stressing that those previously caught in act of misconducts were appropriately sanctioned.
He further solicited continue support and cooperation of members of the public in areas that would guarantee effective policing of the state, adding that command would continually partner with the NBA and other key stakeholders to address all issues of concern and continually improve on service delivery.
