We’re moving into era of Police brutality – CDHR writes NSCDC Boss

A non governmental Organization, The Committee for the Defense of Human Rights (CDHR) has said that the country is gradually moving into another era of Police brutality.

The Osun State Chairman of CDHR, Olowu Emmanuel, disclosed this in a letter addressed to the state Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on the altercation that broke out between the officers of the Police Force and NSCDC in the state.

Since investigation had commenced on the fierced altercation, CDHR noted that the general public had miscontrued the NSCDC Boss visit to the police office, saying it was perceived to be an attempt to undermine the ongoing investigation.

The letter partly read: “We of the above-name organization write to call your attention to the insinuation of the public on a matter of significant concern regarding your recent courtesy visit to the office of the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) of Zone 11 Osogbo Osun State on the 6th of November 2024.

“It has come to our attention that the general public has misconstrued your visit. They perceive it as an attempt to undermine the ongoing investigation into the public display of dichotomy between the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) that occurred on October 23rd, 2024, in Osun State.

“The CDHR has taken the initiative to formally communicate with the Police Service Commission, to which the Inspector General of Police was copied, the Civil Defence Correctional Fire and Immigration Board (CDCFIB), and the NSCDC Junior Staff Disciplinary Committee, to which the Commandant General of the NSCDC was also copied.

“In these letters, we called for a collaborative investigation into the matter, emphasizing that any attempt at an independent investigation by any of the institutions may be perceived as biased and will criticize the integrity of both security institutions, however, sweeping this matter under the carpet will diminish the credibility of the NSCDC as a security institution and also negatively impact the morale of your personnel.

“We are of the understanding that the NSCDC is an independent body operating under the Nigeria Security Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Act 2023, and this independence must be maintained, particularly in matters that affect its reputation and operational integrity.

“We wish to express our concern for the victim, who is still hospitalized, by stating that accepting an independent investigation, which has been initiated by the Inspector General of Police at this time, would demoralize the victim of the assault, other gallant personnel of your institution and could further complicate the healing process for the victim.

“We want you to note that another era of  “SAY NO TO POLICE BRUTALITY” is gradually building up when Nigeria has not recovered from the losses of life and property caused by the EndSar Protest in Nigeria.

“We urge you to take these concerns seriously and take an AFFIRMATIVE POSITION in ensuring that the investigation is carried out collaboratively between the Police Service Commission, The Civil Defence Correctional Fire and Immigration Board (CDCFIB), and the NSCDC Junior Staff Disciplinary Committee.