The leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yenagoa Branch, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, over the death of a suspect, one Joseph Zolo, in the custody of the Puff Adder Unit.
In a petition to the IGP and copied to the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, signed by the Chairman of NBA, Somina Johnbull, and the Chairman, the Human Rights Committee of NBA, Lugard Tare-Otu, they complained about a series of human incidents of human rights violation at the Puff Adder Unit.
The petition said the incidents represented a growing pattern of human rights violations and abuses perpetrated by officers at the division, which demand urgent attention and intervention to uphold the dignity and rights of the people of Bayelsa State.
According to the petition: “on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, Mr. Joseph Zolo (now deceased) and two others were apprehended by the Safer Highways Unit of the Bayelsa State Police Command for alleged possession of marijuana.
“They were subsequently handed over to CSP Christian Nwaogbo and his officers at the Puff Adder Unit, where Mr. Zolo was unlawfully detained from January 8 to January 12, 2025, without charge, trial, or the possibility of bail, despite repeated attempts by his family to secure his release. Tragically, on January 12, 2025, Mr. Zolo died in police custody, reportedly as a result of torture that exacerbated his pre-existing health conditions.
“On the following day, January 13, 2025, the youth council leader of Biogbolo Community, accompanied by two relatives of the deceased and their lawyer, Mr. Bodiswowei Oyomowie, Esq., visited the Puff Adder Division to inquire about Mr. Zolo’s death.
“Instead of receiving a reasonable response, they were met with hostility. CSP Nwaogbo and his officers not only refused to answer their inquiries but also seized their phones, locked the gates, and forced them to sit on the floor. To escalate the situation further, the officers fired sporadically into the air, creating a life-threatening and highly traumatic environment for those present.”
The petition accused that the actions of the officers of the Puff Adder constituted gross misconduct, abuse of power, and a direct violation of the fundamental rights of Mr. Fred Bodiswowei Oyomowie, the family members of the deceased, and others present at the station.
It said those individuals were subjected to verbal threats and psychological harassment, causing them severe trauma and a genuine fear for their safety.
It stated: “It was only after the intervention of the Bayelsa State Government that those individuals were eventually released. To make matters worse, it was later discovered that the body of the deceased was unilaterally deposited in a mortuary by CSP Christian Nwaogbo and his officers, without any consultation with the family or proper legal procedures.
“These events are part of a troubling pattern of human rights violations at the Puff Adder Division, which has become notorious. Such actions tarnish the reputation of the Bayelsa State Police Command and represent a flagrant abuse of authority and a gross breach of citizens’ rights.”
The NBA leadership appealed to the good offices of the CP to direct an immediate and thorough investigation into the death of Mr. Joseph Zolo in the custody of Puff Adder Unit and hold all culpable officers accountable.
They also urged the CP to direct an investigation into the conduct of CSP Christian Nwaogbo and the officers of Puff Adder Unit concerning their actions on January 13, 2025, including the harassment, intimidation and threats directed at Mr. Fred Bodiswowei Oyomowie and the deceased family.
Also, they demanded from the police that in the event that the investigation indicted the police officers involved, they should take appropriate disciplinary measures against them.
The leadership equally urged the police authorities to take decisive steps to restore public confidence by addressing the culture of impunity and abuse within the Puff Adder Unit.
“NBA Yenagoa Branch remains committed to the protection of human rights and the pursuit of justice done all citizens. We are prepared to assist your office in ensuring that justice is served in this matter,” the petition said.
Credit: Nigerian Tribune
