RULAAC Seeks IGP's Intervention Over Alleged Politically Driven Arrests and Prosecutions in Enugu

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has expressed concern over what it describes as the alleged politicisation of policing and criminal justice processes in Enugu State, urging the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to intervene.

In a statement issued on Monday, RULAAC's Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, said the organisation has received numerous complaints from citizens, legal practitioners, and political stakeholders alleging that criminal investigations, arrests, detentions, and prosecutions are being used to intimidate and harass individuals perceived to be political opponents in the state.

According to RULAAC, the complaints suggest a disturbing pattern in which supporters of a particular political tendency within one of the major political parties in Enugu State have allegedly become targets of coordinated police actions.

"Several individuals reportedly fear arrest or prosecution, while others have already been subjected to criminal investigations arising from political activities or expressions made in the course of democratic engagement," the statement noted.

While emphasizing that it does not seek to prejudge any individual case, the organisation stated that the consistency of the allegations raises serious concerns that warrant an urgent, transparent, and impartial investigation by the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.

RULAAC further noted that the concerns mirror earlier public debates surrounding the prosecution and prolonged incarceration of an Enugu-based legal practitioner and elected lawmaker, a case that attracted allegations of denial of due process and the alleged use of criminal proceedings for political purposes.

Reaffirming the constitutional mandate of the Nigeria Police Force, the organisation stressed that law enforcement agencies must operate with professionalism, neutrality, and strict adherence to the rule of law.

"The Police owe allegiance to the Constitution and the people of Nigeria—not to any political party, elected official, or government of the day," the statement said, adding that every citizen has the constitutional right to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association, and political participation without fear of intimidation or criminal sanctions.

As the country approaches another electoral cycle, RULAAC called on the Inspector-General of Police to:

1. Order an independent review of all complaints relating to alleged politically motivated investigations, arrests, detentions, and prosecutions in Enugu State.

2. Direct a comprehensive review of relevant case files at Force Headquarters to ensure compliance with constitutional safeguards, due process, and the provisions of the Police Act 2020.

3. Ensure that no citizen is arrested, detained, or prosecuted solely on the basis of lawful political opinion, affiliation, peaceful advocacy, or criticism of public officials.

4. Reaffirm to all Police Commands their constitutional obligation to remain politically neutral in the discharge of their duties.

5. Take appropriate disciplinary and administrative action wherever investigations establish abuse of police powers or malicious prosecution.

The organisation also urged the Police Service Commission, the National Human Rights Commission, the Nigerian Bar Association, civil society organisations, and other democratic stakeholders to remain vigilant in safeguarding the independence, professionalism, and neutrality of Nigeria's law enforcement institutions.

"Democracy cannot flourish where citizens fear arrest because of their political beliefs or where criminal justice institutions are perceived as instruments for suppressing dissent," Nwanguma stated.

RULAAC reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with the Nigeria Police Force and other justice sector institutions in advancing accountable policing, protecting human rights, and strengthening democratic governance in Nigeria