Police probe alleged unlawful detention by officers in Rivers

The Rivers State Police Command has commenced  an investigation into allegations of unlawful detention and related misconduct contained in an online publication.

Reports circulating on social media alleged that an unnamed individual was arrested and detained at the Octopus Unit, C4i, Mile 2, Diobu, Port Harcourt.

According to the reports, the individual was arrested over a petition unrelated to him, physically assaulted and compelled to pay N180,000 before regaining his freedom several days later.

The command’s spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe, told journalists in Port Harcourt on Monday that the Commissioner of Police in Rivers, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, had ordered a full investigation into the allegations.

Agabe said an investigative panel had been constituted to examine the claims and establish the facts surrounding the incident.

According to her, the action is in line with the command’s commitment to professionalism, accountability and the protection of fundamental human rights.

“The investigative panel has been directed to thoroughly examine the incident and ascertain the facts surrounding the allegations,” she said.

Agabe said that Adepoju had urged individuals and members of the public with credible information to come forward and assist the investigation.

He advised affected persons to report to the Office of the Police Public Relations Officer or contact the Complaint Response Unit through the designated channels.

The commissioner reiterated that detention beyond the constitutionally approved period without due process remained unlawful.

“Detention beyond the legally stipulated period without due process is unlawful, unacceptable and will not be tolerated under any guise,” he said.

Adepoju warned that any officer found culpable of unethical or unlawful conduct would face disciplinary action in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.

“The Rivers State Police Command remains committed to accountability, transparency and respect for human dignity,” he assured.

He further assured residents that the rights, freedom and dignity of every citizen would be protected at all times.

Meanwhile,  Wisdom Chude, a lawyer and rights advocate who published the allegations, claimed that police officers initially refused to release the victim’s personal belongings after his release from detention.

Chude alleged that the victim’s belongings, including clothing and footwear, were only returned after additional payments were made.

He further claimed that some detainees had remained in police custody for between two and three months without being granted bail or charged to court.

According to him, one detainee allegedly paid N200,000 for bail but was returned to the cell after making the payment.

He described the unlawful detention as a violation of fundamental human rights.

“In Rivers State, we have the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee, while judges and chief magistrates are required to inspect detention facilities regularly,” he said.

Chude expressed concern that the alleged abuses suggested that existing oversight mechanisms might not be functioning effectively.

“The Octopus Unit deserves urgent scrutiny. The scale of the alleged human rights violations should be a matter of serious public concern,” he added.

The lawyer questioned how individuals could allegedly remain in detention for weeks or months without bail, court arraignment or effective oversight.

He called for a thorough investigation into the allegations and urged the relevant authorities to ensure compliance with the law.

Chude also appealed to the Commissioner of Police in Rivers to conduct regular inspections of tactical police units across the state.