Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has raised an alarm over a troubling incident unfolding in Kagarko, Kaduna State.
The civil rights group in a statement on Saturday, said a suspected bandit, known as Abacha, has reportedly resurfaced as a police recruit in the area, sparking widespread outcry and raising profound questions about the integrity of law enforcement and the safeguarding of citizens’ rights.
According to a press statement signed by the National Coordinator of HURIWA, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the unfolding events in Kagarko underscore the urgent need for transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies.
Responding to the distressing petition filed by Y. C. Maikyau & Co. on behalf of two detained individuals, Mustapha Buhari Aliyu and Aliyu Buhari Aliyu, HURIWA highlighted the gravity of the situation unfolding in Kagarko, Kaduna State.
“ According to the petition, Abacha allegedly threatened the father of the Aliyu brothers, prompting forceful and unexplained detention by individuals suspected to be from the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Nigerian Police Force.
“The petition detailed the sequence of events leading to the brothers’ detention, highlighting the lack of official identification, disclosure of alleged offenses, or presentation of warrants by the arresting officers. Despite persistent efforts by legal representatives to secure the release of Mustapha and Aliyu, the police reportedly rebuffed their requests, unjustly labeling the young men as ‘criminal kidnappers.’
“Y. C. Maikyau & Co. emphasized the presumption of innocence and the constitutional right to personal liberty, urging the immediate release of their clients or their fair and prompt trial by due process. Furthermore, the solicitors called for an investigation into Abacha’s purported role as an informant for the IRT Unit of the NPF and demanded either his dismissal or initiation of legal action against him.
“Likewise, the grave complaint lodged by the Kagarko Emirate Council highlighted the alleged alarming activities of Abacha, within Kagarko Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
“According to the Emirate Council’s letter, ‘Abacha’, purportedly an informant for the IRT unit of the Nigerian Police Force, has been implicated in various (alleged) criminal activities, including kidnapping, attempted assassinations, and gun running. The Emirate Council detailed instances where Abacha allegedly orchestrated kidnappings, participated in banditry.