12th January, 2017
A lawyer and rights activist, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa on Thursday described the arrest of Mr Omoyele Sowore, Publisher of Sahara Reporters, as uncivilised.
Adegboruwa, who made the condemnation in a press statement in Lagos, called for strict adherence to the rule of law.
The Lagos State Police Command had arrested Sowore on Wednesday over an alleged threat to the life of Mr Lekan Fatodu, Publisher of Checkout International Magazine.
Sowore was arrested at his residence in Lagos and moved to Area ‘F’ Command, Ikeja after Fatodu lodged a complaint to the police.
In the statement, Adegboruwa urged respect for the constitutional provisions on fundamental human rights.
“Injustice and unchecked arrest will bare its wicked fangs, even against those previously considered to be its progressive allies, especially in the media.
“The police are, thus, urged to stay away from civil disputes between citizens and allow the regular courts the opportunity of adjudicating upon all grievances that are of a civil nature.
“If, however, there are allegations against Sowore that border on crime, the appropriate thing is for the police to prefer charges against him in a competent court of law,’’ the lawyer said.
He urged that all rights and privileges granted to Sowore by the Constitution should be observed and obeyed, adding that the police should demonstrate impartiality in the case.
Adegboruwa advised law enforcement agencies to be concerned with the protection of individual rights and liberties.