RULAAC condemns alleged police harassment of political opponents, over criticising Gov. Uzodinma

Stanley Ihedigbo

Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has expressed grave concern over the alleged use of police to harass and intimidate political opponents in Imo State.

In a press statement signed by Executive Director, RULAAC, Com. Okechukwu Nwanguma, condemned the recent arrest of Dr. Fabian Ihekweme, a former commissioner under Governor Hope Uzodinma, at his Abuja residence.

According to RULAAC, Dr. Ihekweme’s arrest raises serious questions about the motives behind it, particularly given his vocal criticism of Governor Uzodinma’s administration.

The organization also expressed concern over the safety and well-being of Dr. Ihekweme, who has been detained without formal charges.

RULAAC also highlighted the case of Nonso Nkwa, who was similarly detained by police at the behest of Governor Uzodinma and remains unjustly imprisoned.

The organization accused the Imo State government of using the police to silence dissent and stifle free speech.

He called on the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, to uphold the integrity of the police force and ensure that any arrest related to complaints from state governors adheres to the due process outlined in the Police Act.

The organization also demanded the immediate release of Dr. Ihekweme and Nonso Nkwa or, if necessary, prompt charges brought against them in a court of law.

” The incident, witnessed by his family, raises serious questions about the motives behind his arrest, particularly given his vocal criticism of Governor Uzodinma’s administration.

“Dr. Ihekweme’s wife has voiced alarming worries regarding her husband’s health and safety, alleging potential plots to eliminate him under the guise of an accident. His outspoken condemnation of the pervasive lack of transparency and accountability in governance, alongside the systematic undermining of the judiciary and legislative processes in Imo State, has placed him at serious risk.

“This troubling pattern of repression has also affected others, such as Nonso Nkwa , who was similarly detained by police at the behest of Governor Uzodinma and remains unjustly imprisoned. These actions point to a systematic effort to silence dissent and stifle free speech.

“We call upon the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, to uphold the integrity of the police force and ensure that any arrest related to complaints from state governors adheres to the due process outlined in the Police Act. Citizens should not be subjected to violent arrests, incommunicado detention, or indefinite holding without formal charges,” he stressed.

According to him, the police must resist becoming instruments of oppression, and human rights violations must not be tolerated.

“We demand the immediate release of Dr. Ihekweme and Nonso Nkwa or, if necessary, prompt charges brought against them in a court of law, allowing for a fair determination of their guilt or innocence,” he stated.