Human rights activist Femi Falana has urged Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun to take immediate action to arrest and prosecute the police officers responsible for the alleged brutality of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero.
Falana expressed his concerns while criticizing the police’s statement regarding Ajaero’s arrest. The police had denied arresting the NLC president during the union’s rally in Owerri, Imo State on Wednesday. Instead, they explained that Ajaero was taken away when unruly individuals hijacked the NLC Trade Union rally in Owerri.
However, Falana pointed out that the police’s explanation had significant inconsistencies. He questioned why the police did not detain the individuals who attacked and brutalized Ajaero in their presence. He raised the issue of why the police did not protect him from the violent assault.
Falana stated, “So the police, who witnessed the attack without making any arrest, suddenly decided to transport the victim to the police clinic. The public, who decried the brutal attack, captured images that contradicted the police’s account.”
He further expressed concern that the police justified the actions of the alleged troublemakers by citing Ajaero’s alleged disobedience of a court order. He questioned why the police did not allow the court to address Ajaero’s alleged contempt of court.
In conclusion, Falana called on Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to conduct an investigation and ensure that the police officers involved in brutalizing the NLC President face prosecution promptly.