The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has raised concerns over reports suggesting an emerging pattern of the alleged misuse of police powers and criminal justice processes to intimidate, harass and persecute perceived political opponents in Enugu State.
The Executive Director of RULAAC, Okechukwu Nwanguma, expressed the group’s concerns in a statement issued on Monday. He said the organisation had received numerous complaints from citizens, lawyers and political actors alleging that criminal investigations, arrests, detention and prosecutions are increasingly being used against individuals because of their political opinions, political affiliations or criticism of public officials.
According to him, while RULAAC does not prejudge the merits of any individual criminal allegation, the consistency of the complaints raises serious questions that require urgent and impartial investigation by the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.
“Among the complaints brought to our attention are allegations that supporters of a particular political tendency within one of the major political parties in Enugu State have become the targets of coordinated police actions. Several individuals reportedly fear arrest or prosecution, while others have already been subjected to criminal investigations arising from political activities or expressions made in the course of democratic engagement.
“These concerns do not arise in isolation. They resonate with earlier public concerns surrounding the prosecution and prolonged incarceration of an Enugu-based legal practitioner and elected lawmaker following events connected with political developments in the state.
“That case generated widespread public debate, with allegations of denial of due process, undue interference in the administration of justice and the use of criminal proceedings in circumstances perceived by many observers as politically motivated.
“Regardless of differing views on the merits of that case, it underscores the imperative that criminal justice institutions must never become instruments for resolving political disputes or weakening democratic opposition,” he said.
Nwanguma noted that the constitutional role of the Nigeria Police Force is to enforce the law impartially and professionally, insisting that the police owe allegiance to the Constitution and the people of Nigeria, not to any political party, elected official or government of the day.
He further maintained that public confidence in policing depends on the assurance that investigative and prosecutorial powers will never be deployed selectively or for partisan purposes.
The RULAAC boss warned that, as Nigeria prepares for another electoral cycle, preserving the political neutrality of law enforcement agencies is indispensable to democratic stability.
According to him, the perception that police institutions are being used to intimidate political opponents or silence dissent undermines public trust, weakens democratic institutions and erodes the rule of law.
The group called on the Inspector-General of Police to urgently order an independent review of all complaints alleging politically motivated investigations, arrests, detention and prosecutions in Enugu State.
It also urged the IGP to direct that all relevant case files associated with the complaints be reviewed by the appropriate departments at Force Headquarters to determine whether constitutional safeguards, due process and the provisions of the Police Act 2020 have been fully observed.
“The IGP should ensure that no citizen is subjected to arrest, detention or prosecution solely because of their lawful political opinion, political affiliation, peaceful advocacy or criticism of public officials.
“There is also a need to reaffirm to all police commands nationwide the constitutional obligation of the Nigeria Police Force to remain politically neutral and resist every attempt to deploy policing powers for partisan or personal interests.
“Appropriate disciplinary and administrative measures must also be taken wherever investigations reveal abuse of police powers, malicious prosecution or conduct inconsistent with professional policing standards,” the statement said.
RULAAC also called on the Police Service Commission, the National Human Rights Commission, the Nigerian Bar Association, civil society organisations and other democratic stakeholders to remain vigilant and work collectively to safeguard the independence, professionalism and neutrality of law enforcement institutions.
“Democracy cannot flourish where citizens fear arrest for their political beliefs or where criminal justice institutions are perceived as tools for suppressing dissent. The rule of law demands that every allegation of crime be investigated fairly, objectively and without political interference. Equally, every citizen, regardless of political affiliation, is entitled to equal protection of the law and equal accountability under the law.
“RULAAC remains committed to constructive engagement with the Nigeria Police Force and other justice sector institutions in promoting accountable policing, respect for human rights and the strengthening of democratic governance in Nigeria,” Nwanguma said.
