Activist in Delta State petitions IG over police brutality, killings
The petition, was made available to journalists in Asaba on
Sunday was also circulated to the Delta State Attorney General and Commissioner
for Justice, the State Coordinator of the National Human Rights Commission, and
the Chairman of the Police Service Commission.
In the document, Mr. Ojei, who is the Director General of
the Young Nigerian Rights Organization, expressed deep concern over what he
described as a troubling pattern of police misconduct, leading to the loss of
innocent lives and severe injuries to citizens.
He highlighted specific incidents, stating, “These tragic
events include, but are not limited to: the killing of a 17-year-old boy by a
trigger-happy officer in Ozoro on December 6, 2024; the shooting of Nollywood
cameraman, Don Oneopara, by the Delta-Hawk team on November 1, 2024, leaving
him with severe injuries and no provision for his medical bills; and the
suspicious death of a young man in Asaba from a head injury under questionable
circumstances involving a police officer.”
Ojei emphasized that the actions by the Police violated the
provisions of Police Force Order 237, which mandates the use of firearms as a
last resort, focusing on demobilization rather than lethal force.
He noted that officers are instructed to aim to incapacitate
and only resort to lethal measures when there is an imminent threat to life.
He called for
thorough investigations into the incidents, adding that erring officers should
be held accountable and prosecuted where necessary.
Ojei also referenced Section 33(1) of the 1999 Constitution,
which guarantees the right to life and stipulates that the use of force in
exceptional circumstances must be both necessary and proportional.
He urged the Nigeria Police Force to ensure full compliance
with Force Order 237 and recommended mandatory retraining for officers to
emphasize firearms use as a last resort, prioritizing demobilization over
lethal measures.
The activist further called for the establishment of
transparent mechanisms for reporting police misconduct, alongside efforts to
foster better community-police relations. He argued that such measures were
crucial to rebuilding public trust in the police force.
“Community trust is essential for effective policing,” he
said. “The Nigeria Police Force must act swiftly to restore confidence by
addressing these troubling incidents and ensuring accountability.”
Comments
Post a Comment