Oganihu on Sunday demanded an end to extortion at checkpoints in Southeast Nigeria and pressed security agencies and governments in the Southeast to act on prolonged detention. The group said its statement followed an August 29 meeting, after Emeka Umeagbalasi of the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law briefed it on research into checkpoints and alleged extortion by security personnel.
The group said security challenges such as kidnapping and armed attacks do not justify abuse of motorists and other road users. In its statement, Oganihu said, “Security necessity cannot justify extortion, harassment, degrading treatment or the conversion of highways into revenue-collection corridors.”
Oganihu and five states
Oganihu called on the Inspector-General of Police, heads of the Armed Forces and other security agencies operating in the Southeast to audit checkpoints across the five states. It said checkpoints that are demonstrably required for security should operate professionally and transparently, while those serving no identifiable security purpose, or functioning primarily as points of extortion, should be dismantled.
The group also called for disciplinary and criminal proceedings against security personnel found demanding or receiving money from motorists where evidence establishes wrongdoing. It said the constitutional rights to dignity and freedom of movement do not cease to exist because citizens are travelling through a security checkpoint.
Wawa Barracks in Niger State
Oganihu also raised concern over reports of prolonged detention of people arrested in connection with separatist agitation or security operations. It referred to alleged detention at Wawa Barracks in Niger State and demanded a transparent account of persons detained there and at other military or security facilities connected with operations in the Southeast.
The group said anyone suspected of a crime should be prosecuted before a competent court, while those against whom there is insufficient evidence should be released. It added, “Indefinite or secret detention cannot substitute for criminal prosecution.”
Anambra Truth, Justice and Peace Commission
Oganihu urged the Anambra State Government to account for its implementation of the recommendations of the Anambra Truth, Justice and Peace Commission established by Governor Chukwuma Soludo more than two years ago. The group said the recommendations included mechanisms for documenting missing and disappeared persons and the professionalisation and coordination of vigilante services.
It said people in Anambra State and the wider Southeast deserve a public account of which recommendations have been implemented, which remain outstanding, and the timetable for completing them. For motorists and people detained in connection with Southeast operations, the group’s demand turns the issue into one of records, procedures and discipline, not just checkpoints and arrests.
