By Uche Onyeali
Human rights group, Initiative Against Human Rights Abuse and Torture, INAHURAT, has called on President Bola Tinubu to order an investigation into the role of the Nigeria Police Force in the alleged attempt to derail justice in a forgery case on a property belonging to Mrs Collen Yesufu.
At a press conference in Abuja yesterday, the group raised concerns that the suspects in the property theft are being shielded by the police, thereby denying the rightful owner of the said property justice.
Convener of the initiative and human rights lawyer, Maxwell Opara recalled several press briefings in which they raised concerns over allegations of conspiracy, forgery, criminal trespass and sale of the said property.
“You may recall that on December 23, 2024, we addressed you regarding the serious allegations of conspiracy, forgery of titles, theft, criminal trespass and fraudulent sale of properties at Plots 1861, 1862, 1863, Katampe and Plot 4022, Guzape District, Abuja by Rebecca Omokamo Godwin Isaac (aka Bilikisu Ishaku Aliyu), Homadil Realty Limited and Co.
“During that press briefing, we expressed our deep concern over how the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, was using his office to shield the suspects from proper investigation, thereby allowing Yesufu, a 79-year-old grandmother, to suffer injustice.
“We also urged the IGP to refrain from interfering in the ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and to allow due process to take its course.
“On December 30, 2024, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi issued a public statement on behalf of the IGP, denying any interference and dismissing our claims as ‘mischief.’
“He stated that the IGP had ‘no business dealing with civil matters.’
However, in response to this misleading and inaccurate statement, we convened another press briefing on January 8 where we presented credible evidence of how the IGP had actively frustrated investigation from the moment the petition was submitted to his office. We provided details on how the EFCC diligently carried out a thorough investigation, prepared a report and proceeded to court for a forfeiture order against the suspects.
“We highlighted that the court had already ordered the suspect to show cause why the properties should not be forfeited to the rightful owner,” Opara recalled.
He also recalled their position, declaring loss of confidence in the police regarding the case due to their alleged complicity and deliberate obstruction of justice, while commending the EFCC for their professionalism and dedication in handling the matter fairly and without bias.
Meanwhile, the initiative informed of how the police hurriedly filed criminal charges against the suspect, after another press briefing on January 8.
The group noted that the last-minute move was a calculated strategy aimed at creating a distraction from the evidence already presented against them; undermining EFCC’s work by taking control of the case that was already advanced under the commission’s jurisdiction, as well as continue shielding the suspect from proper legal consequences through manipulations within the police system.
The initiative urged President Tinubu to order a full-scale and independent investigation into the case, including the role played by the police in attempting to derail justice.
It also urged the IGP to immediately hands off the matter and allow the EFCC continue with its legally sanctioned investigation and forfeiture process.
