The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Nigeria, under the leadership of Comrade (Dr.) Amb. Kehinde Prince Taiga, wishes to express its deep concern over the apparent compromise and miscarriage of justice surrounding the criminal petition written by Mr. S. G. Ediagbonuvie $ Codated 30th April, 2025, addressed to the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), bordering on threat to life and possession of illegal firearms by Mr. Godwin Emonerame.
The said petition, after being duly minuted to the Special Tactical Squad (STS) for discreet investigation, led to the arrest of the suspect and the recovery of firearms from his possession. However, to the utter dismay of the victim’s family, human rights advocates, and members of the public, the suspect was released almost immediately from police custody without any meaningful investigation or prosecution.
Such a development is a clear indication of compromise and possible obstruction of justice, which the CDHR views as a gross abuse of police powers and a betrayal of public trust. The Nigeria Police Force must not allow its sacred duty of crime prevention and law enforcement to be influenced or corrupted by political interference or financial inducement.
The alleged offenses against Mr. Emonerame are serious felonies under Nigerian law:
Section 3 and 27(1)(a) of the Firearms Act, Cap F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (2004) strictly prohibit the possession or control of firearms without a valid license, prescribing severe penalties, including imprisonment.
Section 86 of the Criminal Code Act (Cap C38, LFN 2004) criminalizes any threat to kill or inflict grievous harm, punishable by up to seven (7) years imprisonment.
Section 320 of the Criminal Code further prescribes punishment for acts amounting to attempted murder, while Section 324 punishes conspiracy to commit felony.
Furthermore, under Sections 14, 15(5), and 17(2)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Nigerian State including the Police is mandated to ensure equality before the law, prevent corruption, and guarantee justice and fairness without discrimination or bias.
In the light of these legal provisions and the sacred principles of justice, the CDHR hereby demands as follows:
1. The immediate re-arrest and prosecution of Mr. Godwin Emonerame in accordance with the Firearms Act and relevant provisions of the Criminal Code.
2. A comprehensive, transparent, and independent investigation into the circumstances that led to his suspicious release from custody.
3. The Inspector General of Police (IGP) should ensure that the Nigeria Police Force is not politicized and that no individual no matter how politically connected is placed above the law.
4. Political office holders and influential persons must refrain from obstructing or interfering with ongoing criminal investigations or judicial processes.
The CDHR reiterates that justice must not be selective in Nigeria. The rule of law must prevail over political influence and corruption. The Police, as a creation of law under Section 4 of the Police Act, 2020, have a constitutional obligation to prevent and detect crime, apprehend offenders, and protect lives and property without fear or favour.
We therefore call on the Inspector General of Police, the Deputy Inspector General, FCID, and the Director of the Special Tactical Squad to act decisively in the interest of justice and in defence of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) will continue to monitor this case closely and will not hesitate to mobilize lawful public actions should justice be subverted.
Signed:
Comrade (Dr.) Amb. Kehinde Prince Taiga
National President, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Nigeria
