NOPRIN demands immediate release of Jeremiah Peters, probe of Ijanikin Police DPO

The Network on Police Reform in Nigeria (NOPRIN) has called for the immediate release of Jeremiah Peters and others who are currently detained unlawfully at the Ijanikin Police Division and a comprehensive audit of the activities of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ijaniki Division, CSP Abayomi Faniyi as well as impose appropriate sanctions where necessary.

NOPRIN in a statement issued in Lagos yesterday by its National Coordinator, Mr. Okechukwu Nwanguma condemned the unprofessional and criminal activities going on at Ijaniki Police Division particularly that station’s notorious preoccupation with arbitrary arrest, detention and maltreatment of young people usually labeled cultists, just with the motive of extorting bribe.

While recalling that it was the neglect to check similar excesses by the Anti-cultism Unit of the Lagos State Police command that resulted to the tragic murder of Kolade Johnson about one week ago, the statement noted that Ijanikin police station had acquired notoriety for arresting young boys, accusing them of being cultists only to demand bribe for bail.

It pointed out that the latest victim was Jeremiah Peters whose friend was arrested and detained at Ijanikin for allegedly being a cultist saying that Jeremiah went to the station to bail his friend and was also arrested and had been detained since Thursday.

“On Sunday, his mother went to the station to see him and was also arrested and detained. Following calls for the release of Jeremiah and his mother, the DPO CSP Abayomi Faniyi and the IPO whose name was given as Mr. Lucky demanded N50,000 to release his mother without him. His mother was eventually released today (yesterday).

“Following further pressure, the DPO has just asked Jeremiah Peters to write statement. How could the police keep someone in detention for 6 days without obtaining a statement? His mother went to the station and was driven away.

“NOPRIN condemns this gross abuse of legally established arrest and detention procedure. Both the Constitution and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act require that a suspect or an accused person shall upon arrest, be promptly informed of his/her offence or the reason for the arrest. Such a person shall also be informed of his/her rights under the law and shall be availed legal representation. Detention shall also not exceed the legally permissible duration of 24 hours or 48 hours.

“The DPO Ijaniki is superintending over the brazen circumvention of the law and gross abuse of citizens human rights. He should be sanctioned for these.

“NOPRIN calls on the CP Lagos to order the immediate release of Jeremiah Peters and others suffering similar abuse. A comprehensive audit of the activities of the DPO Ijaniki is warranted. Appropriate sanctions should be imposed”, the statement said.

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