Alleged rogue outfit in Anambra: HURIWA wants immediate action from Tinubu, IGP

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, has strongly urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Inspector General of Police, IGP, and the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, to take immediate action following sensational allegations of a veteran of the United States Army.

This follows detailed petitions filed by the US Army veteran with Nigerian authorities detailing how some senior police officers in Anambra and FCID Hqtrs Abuja are complicit in protecting an alleged rogue outfit in Anambra State.

HURIWA said on Friday in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, that despite the filing of multiple petitions before the IGP and the AGF, a copy of which was made available to DAILY POST, no decisive action has been taken which, according to the association , raises concerns about possible complicity among senior officials.

“The situation took a disturbing turn on April 15, 2024, during a visit by the veteran to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) headquarters in Abuja,” HURIWA noted.

HURIWA said the veteran went to the office of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Sylvester Abiodun Alabi to report the activities of the rogue police unit in Anambra and other cases of police misconduct including aiding criminal elements against a senior police officer at FCID Hqtrs Abuja.

“Shortly after leaving DIG Alabi’s office, the veteran claims he was physically assaulted by a Chief Inspector of Police (CSP), who verbally abused him and attempted to punch, elbow and kick him.

“The attack continued as they walked through the corridor, up the stairs and into the office of Police Commissioner Emmanuel Aina at the FCID. A second police officer reportedly joined the attack on CP Aina’s office, pushing and shoving the veteran.

“The veteran recounted how the CSP allegedly threatened his life, telling him he would be ‘slaughtered in Nigeria’ unless he returned to the United States.

“The CSP is also said to have made a chilling remark stating that the veteran would not be the first US Army soldier to be killed in Nigeria without consequence. According to the veteran, CCTV footage from DIG Alabi’s office, the corridor and CP Aina’s office will provide crucial evidence of the attack.

“Witnesses reportedly observed the attack, further corroborating the veteran’s claims. However, despite multiple petitions filed with the IGP and AGF regarding both the attack and the broader allegations of police misconduct in Anambra, no official response or serious investigation has been initiated.

“The core of the veteran’s allegations revolve around a group of police officers in Anambra State who he alleges have been deeply compromised by local criminal gangs, including notorious Yahoo+ cultists. According to the veteran, these operatives are deeply involved in the kidnapping and disappearance of people, extortion, using their position to harass investors in Anambra State and intimidate residents.

“The US Army veteran claims to have meticulously documented these activities and alleges that this rogue police syndicate has not only endangered local security forces, but has also actively conspired with criminal elements to extort money from companies and investors in the state Anambra. The veteran warns that without immediate action, the security situation in Anambra could further deteriorate, leading to a complete breakdown of law and order,” HURIWA said.

HURIWA condemned the apparent inaction of the Nigerian authorities regarding these allegations.

The association expressed deep concern about what it considers a deliberate attempt by certain elements within the police force to shield corrupt officers from accountability.

According to HURIWA, this pattern of impunity is emblematic of the broader crisis facing Nigeria’s police system, where rogue officers operate with the support of senior officials, undermining confidence in law enforcement.

The group stressed that the inability of the IGP and the AGF to investigate and respond to the veteran’s petitions is a serious dereliction of duty. He stressed the need for President Tinubu to personally intervene, urging him to ensure that these allegations are promptly and thoroughly investigated.

“The claims made by this US military veteran are extremely serious and require the immediate attention of Nigeria’s top law enforcement officials. If these allegations are true, they expose a rot in the system that can no longer be ignored.

“We call on President Bola Tinubu, the Inspector General of Police and the Attorney General of the Federation to immediately launch a full-scale investigation into this death squad and the senior officers protecting them,” Onwubiko said.

HURIWA also urged the government to review the entire chain of command in Anambra State, the role of officers in FCID and other areas where corruption and criminality are rampant, and called for a shake-up within the police force to get rid of them from rogue elements.

HURIWA further called on authorities to release and review CCTV footage from the FCID headquarters in Abuja, which according to the veteran will show the attack on him by police officers, stressing that witnesses including his lawyer are also ready to to give evidence about the incident. , further supporting the veteran’s cause.

While advocating for immediate protection for the veteran, fearing that his life could be in grave danger as a result of the alleged threats he has received, HURIWA claimed that failure to respond to these allegations would send a dangerous message to law enforcement are above power in Nigeria. law, further eroding public confidence in the justice system.