The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has launched a scathing accusation against the Borno State Police Command, denouncing what it terms as intolerable and unconstitutional persecution.
The focus of this allegation is the prolonged and unlawful detention of Reverend Father Peter Chukwuneke Uchebo, a Roman Catholic priest, under unproven allegations of rape. In a fervent call for justice, HURIWA demanded the immediate release of the unfairly detained priest while also urging the Acting Inspector-General of Police to intervene and ensure due process.
HURIWA, a prominent civil rights advocacy group, in a statement by its National Coordinator; Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko raised its voice against what it sees as a blatant abuse of power, underlining that the Nigerian Police, established under constitutional guidelines and the Police Act of 2020, must adhere to the principles of justice and fairness rather than inflicting undue suffering on citizens based on vague charges.
The rights group’s strong statement didn’t stop at condemnation alone. HURIWA also implored the Catholic hierarchy in Maiduguri and across Nigeria to take action by pursuing legal avenues to safeguard the fundamental human rights of Father Peter Chukwuneke Uchebo.
The priest has languished in harsh detention conditions since July 2023 without being presented before a competent court, which the group finds to be in direct contradiction with established legal standards.
Moreover, HURIWA revealed that the police’s purported offer of releasing the priest on the condition that he waives his right to pursue legal remedies against his wrongful detention is not only archaic but also unconstitutional and deplorable. Such tactics, which attempt to suppress victims of police misconduct, are considered primitive by the advocacy group.
HURIWA further highlighted the events that unfolded, narrating how a day marked as a holiday led to a sequence of events resulting in Father Peter’s arrest. “The priest’s assistance in construction activities within the premises of the Roman Catholic Church involved the participation of some students. Subsequently, an accusation of rape was leveled against a school staff member. The situation escalated, with Father Peter being wrongly ensnared in the incident, triggering his arrest and detention”.
Amidst these unfolding events, HURIWA pressed for justice and transparency, emphasizing the need for thorough investigations and adherence to due process rather than subjecting individuals to unwarranted punishment. The group emphasizes that the Nigerian legal system must stand as a beacon of fairness and justice for all citizens, regardless of their background or role.
As the clamor for Father Peter’s release grows stronger, HURIWA’s voice reverberates, urging the Borno State Police Command to uphold the principles of justice and fairness. The organization asserted that the authorities’ actions should reflect the true spirit of Nigeria’s legal framework, a framework built on respect for human rights and the rule of law.
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In this escalating standoff between justice and adversity, HURIWA underscored the importance of a swift resolution that adheres to legal tenets. The plight of Father Peter Chukwuneke Uchebo has ignited a fervent call for justice, urging society to rally behind the principles that underpin Nigeria’s democratic ideals and ensure a just and equitable society for all.
