The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly condemned the Nigeria Police Force, Ebonyi State Command, for what it describes as a flagrant violation of human rights in the Gestapo-style arrest of the Ohanaeze Youth President, Igboayaka Igboayaka.
HURIWA decried the manner in which armed operatives stormed the Owerri residence of Igboayaka, whisking him away without proper notification to his next of kin or legal representatives, a move the group likened to a kidnapping operation rather than a lawful arrest.
In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA stressed that such an action contradicts the provisions of the Nigerian Police Act of 2020, which mandates that suspects be informed of their rights, granted access to legal counsel, and treated with dignity. The group insists that the Ebonyi Police Command acted arbitrarily and outside the law, reinforcing a dangerous culture of impunity.
The association questioned why the police arrested Igboayaka while still investigating the allegations against him, arguing that it is unconstitutional to detain a citizen without concrete evidence of wrongdoing. HURIWA emphasized that the police must uphold the fundamental right to liberty and due process, stating that the continued detention of the youth leader without proper legal procedures is illegal.
Recalling recent remarks by the Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), warning law enforcement agencies against illegal arrests, HURIWA called on him to take immediate action against the Ebonyi Police Command for its blatant disregard for the law. The organization demanded the immediate release of Igboayaka, insisting that his arrest and detention are unconstitutional.
The Ebonyi State Police Command, in a statement, denied claims of abduction, stating that Igboayaka was arrested over allegations of disseminating false information capable of inciting unrest. However, HURIWA dismissed this defense, asserting that the manner of his arrest and detention without a fair hearing is an outright abuse of power.
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Reaffirming its stance, HURIWA maintained that Igboayaka remains innocent until proven guilty by a competent court, in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). The rights group called on civil society organizations and human rights defenders to demand an end to police high-handedness and arbitrary arrests in Nigeria.
