IGP Petitioned Over Continued Detention Of Man Released By Court

Family members of Godwin Francis Akpan, who was released by the Federal Capital Territory High Court, have taken a swipe at the authorities of the Nigerian police for continued detention of their son.

The family, through their lawyer, Edeh Uchenna, in a petition sent to the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, however, demanded immediate release of the detainee, arguing his fundamental rights are currently being violated.

Daily Trust reports that Akpan’s detention arose from a police investigation involving a dispute between his employer and another company – the matter that was described as essentially a commercial or civil dispute.

A copy of the petition, which was obtained by our correspondent, showed that Akpan was detained in connection with allegations of criminal conduct but had not been charged before a court by the police.

The lawyer, who acknowledged that the police have legitimate powers to investigate alleged offences, argued that such powers must operate within the framework of due process, individual liberty and respect for judicial authority.

The petition described a court order obtained by the family as an expression of judicial authority which, until lawfully set aside, varied or stayed by a competent court, requires compliance by those concerned.

He, therefore, called for immediate compliance with the FCT High Court’s release order, while urging that any outstanding investigative issues be pursued through lawful and transparent procedures.

“We are not seeking immunity from investigation,” the family members said in the petition, adding that it was not asking any institution to determine the merits of the underlying commercial dispute outside the appropriate forum.

The petition also called for the constitutional and legal rights of Akpan and other affected persons to be respected, and for the underlying commercial and investigative issues to be handled through appropriate legal and institutional channels.