The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, demanding an independent investigation into the death of Deputy Superintendent of Corps, Agada Levi Agada, of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, as well as the arrest and public parade of Chief Superintendent of Police Abdulmajeed Abisoye Oyewumi.
The rights group, in a statement issued on Thursday by its National President, Comrade Yinka Folarin, and National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Adewunmi Adesina, described the two incidents as raising serious concerns about due process, accountability and public confidence in the criminal justice system.
CDHR said it had submitted a formal petition to the IGP, urging the police to conduct an immediate, transparent and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the NSCDC officer’s death and the subsequent arrest of the senior police officer.
According to the organisation, the death of a serving security officer under controversial circumstances should not be ignored, while the public parade of a senior police officer reportedly investigating issues connected to the deceased had further deepened public concerns.
The group noted that allegations circulating in the public domain suggested that Agada may have faced danger after allegedly exposing illegal mining activities and the alleged concealment of deaths linked to operations at some mining sites.
It, however, stressed that the allegations remained unverified and should only be established through a credible and independent investigation.
“The seriousness of these allegations makes it imperative for the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a fearless, professional and impartial investigation capable of establishing the truth wherever it may lead,” the statement read.
The organisation also questioned the circumstances surrounding Oyewumi’s arrest and public parade, saying reports indicated that he had been investigating the death of the late NSCDC officer before his arrest.
CDHR said it was not declaring anyone guilty or innocent but insisted that every Nigerian was entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court.
It added that the public parade of suspects before trial had repeatedly been discouraged by Nigerian courts and undermined the principles of fair hearing and due process.
The organisation asked the police to determine the actual cause of Agada’s death, whether investigations into the case were obstructed, whether whistleblower information was suppressed, and whether Oyewumi’s arrest complied with the Constitution, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and the Nigeria Police Act.
The rights group also called on the Minister of Solid Minerals Development and other relevant government agencies to cooperate fully with investigators by providing all relevant records and intelligence.
It further demanded protection for investigators, witnesses and whistleblowers connected with the matter.
CDHR gave the Inspector-General of Police a 21-day deadline to conclude a credible investigation and publicly present its findings through a press conference.
The organisation warned that it would explore all lawful democratic means, including litigation, public advocacy and peaceful nationwide civic actions, should there be any attempt to suppress evidence, intimidate witnesses or shield anyone from accountability.
“Justice for the late DSC Agada Levi Agada is non-negotiable. Equally, the circumstances surrounding the arrest and public parade of CSP Abdulmajeed Abisoye Oyewumi must be thoroughly investigated to determine whether due process was observed and whether any unlawful or improper actions were taken,” the statement added.
CDHR maintained that no individual or institution was above the law, insisting that the deceased’s family deserved justice while Nigerians deserved a full account of the circumstances surrounding both incidents.
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