CDHR calls for independent investigation into alleged Police brutality against NSCDC personnel in Osogbo

The Osun State chapter of the Committee for the Defense of Human Rights, CDHR, has officially petitioned the Police Service Commission, PSC, and the Civil Defence, Correctional Fire and Immigration Board, CDCFIB, And Nigeria Security Civil Defence Corps NSCDC, Junior Staff Disciplinary Committee.

The Osun CDHR also called for a comprehensive investigation into a recent altercation in Osogbo, Osun State, between personnel of the Nigeria Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC.

The clash, which reportedly involved assault, unlawful detention, and alleged human rights violations, has sparked concerns over inter-agency rivalry and policing standards in Nigeria.

The Osun CDHR Chairman, Emmanuel Olowu in a letter addressed to the Police Service Commission’s Chairman, outlined the events leading up to the incident, which occurred on October 23, 2024, at Elizabeth Estate, Osogbo.

DAILY POST recalled that in late October 2024, an altercation ensued between personnel of the NSCDC and some police personnel from the Oyo State Police Command at Elizabeth Estate, Osogbo.

The police officers were reportedly prevented from carrying out an arrest by NSCDC personnel.

The Osun State Police Command, through its spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, had said the NSCDC personnel beat two police officers and deflated the tire of the police patrol van.

In contrast, the Osun NSCDC spokesperson, Adeleke Kehinde, said the police officers were dressed in mufti (Ankara) and could not properly identify themselves.

According to Emmanuel, “the confrontation between NPF and NSCDC personnel quickly escalated into a violent exchange that culminated in the police allegedly detaining and mistreating an NSCDC officer.”

The CDHR claims that “the detained officer was publicly assaulted, disarmed, and held in custody without justifiable grounds, prompting widespread public outrage following viral footage of the incident.”

The CDHR letter called for the need for independent oversight in the investigation, citing provisions within the Police Service Commission (Establishment) Act that authorise the Commission to oversee and discipline police personnel, independent of external influences.

“Only through the Police Service Commission can the matter be investigated impartially. We advocate for a probe free from potential biases.”

He further noted that while Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun had ordered an internal investigation, the CDHR believes that an objective inquiry demands oversight beyond the Nigerian Police.

The human rights group also highlighted a growing history of police misconduct and inter-agency tensions, pointing to past incidents of brutality and unprofessionalism within the NPF that have eroded public trust in law enforcement.

The CDHR in the letter which referenced previous cases, including the notorious #EndSARS movement, which campaigned against police abuses and brought international attention to police practices in Nigeria held that the recent incident in Osogbo echoed these systemic issues and should serve as a warning against unchecked law enforcement powers.

The CDHR reported that despite the intervention of senior NSCDC officers, the police allegedly refused to release the detained officer after he had been identified.

“The officer was denied medical attention and remained in custody from October 23 to October 25.”

The CDHR feared that if security agencies are unable to manage inter-agency conflicts, civilians may become increasingly vulnerable to similar acts of unprovoked aggression.

Osun CDHR also demanded the CDCFIB and the NSCDC’s Junior Staff Disciplinary Committee to advocate for their involvement in the investigation.

It also urged the PSC and CDCFIB to coordinate their efforts and warned that only through transparent and joint accountability can prevent future confrontations of this nature.