The Kebbi State Caucus of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the National Assembly has called for urgent investigation into the alleged illegal detention of members of the party in the state.
The caucus made the call at a news conference organised in collaboration with the state party Chairman, Mr Safiyanu Bala in Abuja, urging the Nigerian Police Force and Amnesty International to investigate the matter.
Speaking on behalf of the caucus on Tuesday, Senator Garba Maidoki said the circumstances around the arrests raised serious questions about due process in the exercise of police powers and citizens’ fundamental rights.
He said that the caucus recognised the legitimate responsibility of the police and other law-enforcement agencies to investigate suspected offences, adding that political affiliation must never become substitute for evidence, and neither should political differences become bases for depriving liberty.
“We wish to make a respectful but strong appeal to the judiciary to exercise the highest degree of circumspection, scrutiny independence and fidelity to the law, whenever orders affecting the liberty of citizens are sought.
“We trust that the judiciary will continue to serve as an independent safeguard for the rights of every citizen, irrespective of political affiliation,” he said.
