The unjust detention of human rights activist Abiodun Thomas by the Nigeria Police Force without formal charges is a clear violation of her constitutional rights to liberty, dignity, and due process.
Development Diaries reports that Thomas has been stuck in police detention for three days without being charged in court and denied administrative bail.
According to a media report, Thomas has endured inhumane treatment and remains detained at the National Cyber-Crime Centre, Abuja.
Section 35 (4) of the 1999 constitution explicitly limits detention without trial to a maximum of 48 hours.
In light of this, Thomas’s three-day detention without arraignment reflects an abuse of power and a disregard for the rule of law, undermining the principles of justice that the constitution seeks to uphold.
As guaranteed by the Nigerian constitution and other international human rights treaties that Nigeria has ratified, this occurrence highlights the infringement of the rights to liberty, fair trial, and dignity.
This is not the first time law enforcement agencies would be seen using extrajudicial means to silence human rights advocates and critics of government authorities.
By denying her bail, moving her across states, and failing to charge her in court, the police have showcased a disregard for due process and the rights of citizens.
The Nigerian police must be held accountable for this abuse of power.
Arbitrary detentions like this do not just harm the individual involved; they also serve to intimidate and suppress lawful activism, undermining democratic principles.
Furthermore, what does this action mean for the everyday Nigerian?
When the police, who are mandated to serve and protect citizens, engage in such tactics of intimidation and unlawful detentions, it widens the trust gap between the public and law enforcement agencies.
Everyday Nigerians are left questioning the role of the police in their lives, whether as protectors of rights or as tools of oppression.
To restore public trust and demonstrate accountability, the police must urgently reform their operational procedures and respect constitutional safeguards.
Development Diaries calls on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to immediately order the release of Thomas or ensure she is presented before a competent court of jurisdiction.
The IGP should also reinforce mechanisms to check abuses of power within the police force, ensuring that citizens’ rights are protected and justice is served for all.
Photo source: FIJ
