Group seeks prosecution of police operatives who invaded Umuahia entertainment centre

By Ijendu Iheaka

A non-governmental organisation, the Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS) has called for “a conclusive prosecution” of the police operatives that allegedly invaded De Latinos Concept, an entertainment centre in Umuahia, Abia State, on Sunday.

A fracas broke out on Sunday night at the De Latinos Concept when a security man (bouncer) at the centre stopped a policeman in mufti from entering the place with barbecue meat (suya) purchased from outside.

De Latinos Concept runs a suya spot and prohibits customers from bringing in suya purchased from elsewhere.

Following the fight that ensued, the policeman reportedly retreated and later returned to De Latinos Concept with a truckload of other operatives.

They armed operatives were alleged to have brutalised the bouncers at the centre, having shot teargas canisters into the place, and also attacked and inflicted serious injuries on many unsuspecting customers that came to have fun.

Reacting to the incident, CEHRAWS, in a statement by Mr Chuka Okoye, its Executive Director, stated that conclusive prosecution of the suspects would deter other security personnel from engaging in illegal actions.

He thanked Gov. Alex Otti for his directive to the Abia Police Commissioner, Mr Danladi Isa, to fish out the alleged invaders of the De Latinos Concept.

“However, it is crucial to address the systemic issue of police misconduct and extrajudicial reprisals that this incident represents.

“The facts suggest that if the officer(s) involved had acted professionally as is expected of law enforcers, such a reckless show of force would not have occurred.

“There is no legal or procedural justification for the Gestapo-style invasion, the destruction of property, and the injuries inflicted on innocent persons,” he said.

Okoye regretted that the De Latinos incident pointed to the October 2019 mass atrocity by policemen at the Okojumbo axis of Ndiegoro Community in Aba.

He recalled that during the reprisal attack, over 10 buildings were destroyed, many residents displaced, and women and children suffered grave violations in the hands of law enforcers.

“These actions were carried out with impunity, and to date, no meaningful redress has been provided to the victims.

“Therefore, CEHRAWS calls for the immediate investigation, prosecution, and dismissal of any officer(s) found culpable in the illegal operation.

“This must serve as a deterrent to others within the force and reinforce the principles of justice, accountability, and human rights protection,” Okoye said.

He advised the governor to constitute a Bureau of Human Rights Protection to be saddled with the task of checkmating “police misconduct”.

He said the committee should, among other responsibilities, investigate police misconduct and brutality against Abia citizens to ensure officers violating human rights faced justice.

The activist further stated that the committee would also undertake and facilitate the prosecution of erring operatives to deter future extrajudicial actions.

He also noted that the body should undertake to provide legal support and restitution to victims of unlawful police actions.

(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

IEI/USO