Human Rights Writers Association Of Nigeria (HURIWA) has demanded for the sack of the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, who authorized the violent attack, arbitrary arrest and illegal detention of journalist Kasarachi Aniagolu by operatives and officers of the Nigerian police force, FCT Command.
The right group in a statement by its national coordinator described this unwarranted aggression against Ms. Aniagolu as intolerable, despicable, reprehensible, primitive and disappointing. They have called for her immediate unconditional release and administrative sanctions to be enforced on those who inflicted physical, psychological and emotional torture on her while reminding the police that torture is unconstitutional.
HURIWA expressed consternation over President Tinubu’s appointment and confirmation of his friend and kinsman Mr. Kayode Egbetokun as Inspector-General of Police because it has heightened indiscipline, unprofessional conduct along with bribery & corruption leading to gross human rights violations under Chapter 4 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution; Universal Declaration of Human Rights; African Human & Peoples’ Rights; International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights domesticated by Nigeria as our Municipal laws.
The group also regret that police operatives now behave above Nigerian law.
Today’s arrest is one among dozens perpetrated by ruthlessly lawless police operatives whose unprofessionalism permits impunity in violation of constitutional rights guaranteed citizens under chapter 4 which HURIWA calls upon President Tinubu’s administration to end these incessant abuses immediately.
The WHISTLER Newspapers strongly condemn in strongest terms any unlawful arrest or assault like what happened recently when their reporter Kasarahchi ANIAGOLU was taken into custody during a raid on Bureau de Change operators in Wuse Zone 4 while performing journalistic duties despite identifying herself clearly before being manhandled then threatened with confiscation equipment followed by detention at Anti-Violence Crime Unit (formerly SARS office) in Guzape.
THE WHISTLER newspaper stated that they are deeply disturbed about disregard for press freedom shown by Nigeria Police Force coupled with blatant violation fundamental rights belonging Ms. Aniagolu adding assault alongside threats to life are unacceptable direct attacks independent journalism causing concern regarding accountability plus transparency from authorities issuing conflicting statements about operations conducted between NPF headquarters versus FCT Police Command further highlighting need thorough investigation undemocratic incidents occurring lately.
Therefore HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (HURIWA) demand immediate unconditional release Ms Anaigolu plus an apology from Leadership of The Nigeria Police Force calling National Assembly together with president reconstitute governing board police service commission so council constituted highest standards merits competencies respectability will enforce discipline professionalism deteriorating operational disciplinary standards Nigerian policing institution thus condemning egregious violations legal constitutional rights female journalist Ms Anaigolu.
