By Emma Ogoigbe, Warri
Leading rights body, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), has fired a petition to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, urging him to investigate the activities of the Head, Legal, at Force Headquarters, Abuja.
It said the top cop’s action was necessary to stop alleged criminal activities being masterminded by the senior officer against Okpanam community in Delta State, South-South Nigeria.
National president of the Committee, Dr Kehinde Taiga, made the passionate appeal when he addressed newsmen in Warri today.
He lamented that police officers sent from Abuja have, for over four years now, been involved in land grabbing matters on the side of a particular claimant in Okpanam community.
“We call for justice, and accountability in the long standing land dispute involving Okpanam people and Mr. Ekwe-Ogbidi Integrated Resources and his associates,” he said.
According to him, the police has allegedly been taking sides in the issue, thus “making itself a complainant and judge in the matter.”
“Land disputes are civil matters and the ongoing involvement of police officers, particularly those acting outside their legal mandate, undermines the rule of law and violates the constitutional rights of citizens,” said the CDHR boss.
While commending the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abanilonda Olifemi for standing firm on the land matter, the CDHR leader asked for the prosecution of all police officers involved in the matter.
Besides, Taiga further asked for the restoration of properties allegedly destroyed by the officers and other parties and compensation for victims.
He reiterated that CDHR is unwavering on the issue and pleaded with the IGP to take drastic action against the alleged biased officers.
