…Demands Immediate Release
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has petitioned the Office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) over the unlawful arrest, detention, and incommunicado holding of Mr. Eme Alfred Friday by officers of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Enugu State Police Command.
Background of the Case
According to a sworn account by Mr. Sunday Eme, a lecturer and younger brother to the detainee, Mr. Friday was arrested at his residence between 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 26, 2025, by a group of men who informed his wife that he was being taken to Enugu State.
However, he was initially sighted at Area B Police Command, Apapa, Lagos, in handcuffs, without any explanation for his arrest being given to his wife.
Violations of Human Rights
RULAAC has identified multiple breaches of Mr. Friday’s constitutionally protected rights, including the right to personal liberty, the right to be informed promptly of the reason for arrest, and the right to fair hearing.
The organization has also condemned the police’s actions as a gross abuse of power and a flagrant disregard for the rule of law.
“We urge the IGP to take immediate action to address this situation and ensure that Mr. Friday’s rights are protected,” said Okechukwu Nwanguma, Executive Director of RULAAC. “The police’s actions in this case are a clear example of police brutality and a disregard for the rule of law.”
Demands for Action
RULAAC has made several demands, including the immediate disclosure of the reason for Mr. Friday’s arrest and detention, immediate and unconditional access by his family and legal counsel, and investigation and disciplinary action against all officers involved in the unlawful conduct.
The organization has also called for institutional safeguards to prevent the recurrence of such arbitrary detention by units under the Enugu State Police Command.
