**** Seeks Tinubu’s Speedy Intervention
The Initiative Against Human Rights Abuse and Torture (INAHURAT), a non-government organisation has raised concerns over alleged abuse of office by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
INAHURAT`s Director, Barr. Maxwell Chibuike Okpara, at a media briefing, Wednesday, in Abuja, alleged that the Police Boss was unduly protecting instead of making highly placed fraudulent persons to face trials for their misdeeds.
He pointed out that one Rebecca Isaac (aka Bilikusi Ishaku Aliyu) who was accused of fraud was shielded by the top police hierarchy.
Barr. Okpara also explained that the police has not been up to task in acting on a petition brought to it against the accused, alleging that this action has exposed Mrs Collen Mero Yesufu, a 79 year old grandmother and victim of the alleged suspect, to injustice.
The Abuja lawyer disclosed that another petition which was forwarded to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following the refusal of the police to act on the petition before it, has since received expedited actions.
The group however regretted what it said was attempts by the police to frustrate EFCC`s investigation, as it commended the anti graft body for “diligently” carrying “out a thorough investigation, prepared a report and filed a suit in court for a forfeiture order against the suspect.”
“…Court had already ordered the suspect, Bilikisu Ishaku Aliyu, to show cause why the properties should not be forfeited to the rightful owner Mrs Collen Mero Yesufu,” Okpara added.
This is as it equally criticised the police for belatedly filing criminal charges against the suspect after the EFCC`s intervention.
This, according to it, “was not in the interest of Justice but to divert attention and frustrate the good job being done by EFCC in the matter.”
While noting that the group has lost confidence in the role of the police on the matter, he urged President Tinubu to call the IGP to order and to also mandate an investigation on the issue.
Continuing, it called on the National Assembly to scrutinize the conduct of the police in the matter with a view to bringing those culpable to justice.
“The attempt by the Nigerian Police Force to manipulate this case, obstruct due process and protect the suspect is a direct attack on justice and accountability.
“We refuse to stand by while the rights of innocent citizens, especially vulnerable individuals like a 79 year old grandmother are trampled upon by those entrusted with upholding the law.
We stand firm in our commitment to exposing human rights abuses and fighting for justice and we will not relent until this matter is properly addressed. We call on the President, the EFCC, the judiciary and all other relevant authorities to intervene immediately and ensure that justice prevails.”
INAHURAT allegations against Rebecca include forgery of titles, theft, criminal trespass and fraudulent sale of properties at Plots 1861, 1862, 1863 at Katampe and Plot 4022 at Gusape district in Abuja.
