HURIDE cautions in opposition to alleged assaults on Ebonyi CP

The Human Rights Defenders (HURIDE) in Ebonyi state has cautioned in opposition to what it described as rising allegations and private assaults in opposition to the state Commissioner of Police, Hope Urunwa Okafor.

It stated claims of misconduct should be supported by verifiable proof.

The allegations reportedly contain over N3 million in bail funds, alleged relationships with political figures, an administrative switch dispute and claims of weekly levies on heads of items and departments within the state police command.

In a press release signed by its chairman, Dr Sampson Oko Nweke, HURIDE expressed concern that people reportedly questioned over the allegations are but to offer convincing proof to substantiate their claims.

The group urged the general public to not mistake repeated accusations for established details, including that accountability should be pursued by credible proof, lawful procedures and neutral investigations.

It additionally acknowledged that recommendations of political motives behind the allegations should be established by proof quite than hypothesis.

HURIDE known as on anybody with verifiable proof of misconduct to current it to the suitable authorities, whereas urging the media and the general public to keep away from spreading unsubstantiated claims able to damaging reputations and undermining public confidence in establishments.

The group stated it neither supported impunity nor endorsed the persecution of public officers by unsubstantiated allegations.

It added that Okafor, like each public official, was entitled to a good listening to and the presumption of innocence whereas the allegations remained unproven.

“Let evidence, not political hostility or public speculation, determine the truth,” Nweke stated.