Vocalpoint Human Rights Initiatives (VOHRI), a Human Rights Organisation, has urged the federal government under President Bola Tinubu, along with the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force, to prevent any individual or group from establishing a parallel law enforcement body.
The organisation explained that such actions could worsen the country’s insecurity and made these statements during a press conference in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Wednesday.
It was reported that Chief Sunday Adeyemo, known as Sunday Igboho, allegedly prevented police officers from arresting a suspect in Ibadan a few days earlier.
In response, VOHRI expressed deep concern about the recent activities of the Iru-?kun Security Network, led by Igboho, related to blocking law enforcement actions.
Comrade Oladimeji Adelakin, the organization’s Public Relations Officer, told journalists that no individual or group should operate as a substitute law enforcement body or decide who lives or dies without proper legal process.
He urged citizens with information about criminal activities to report to the appropriate authorities instead of taking the law into their own hands.
Adelakin emphasised that all citizens have a right to voice concerns about security issues and to seek protection for their communities.
He explained that the responsibility for investigation, arrest and prosecution rests with constitutionally and legally authorised security institutions such as the Police and DSS.
He then used the opportunity to call on Tinubu and law enforcement agencies not to allow any individual or group to form a parallel law-enforcement institution in the country.
He said, ‘The Vocalpoint Human Rights Initiatives (VOHRI), a duly constituted civil rights organisation committed to the promotion and protection of human rights, access to justice, accountability, good governance and the protection of vulnerable persons, has expressed grave concern over recent developments involving the Iru-?kun Security Network, alleged obstruction of law-enforcement operations, insecurity, separatist agitations and growing threats to public order in parts of South-West Nigeria.’
‘Any attempt by a private individual, vigilante group, militia, security network or other non-state actor to assume the powers of the Nigerian Police Force or otherwise obstruct lawful police operations is a matter that requires urgent investigation by the appropriate authorities. VOHRI is equally concerned by allegations that police officers attempting to execute a lawful arrest process against Taa’ni ?l?hun were allegedly obstructed by individuals associated with the Iru-?kun Security Network. If established after proper investigation, such conduct could undermine the authority of law-enforcement agencies and the rule of law. VOHRI therefore calls on all security agencies to investigate these allegations impartially and, where offences are established, take appropriate action in accordance with due process and applicable Nigerian law.
‘No to jungle justice and parallel law enforcement. VOHRI maintains that insecurity cannot be defeated through lawlessness. The fight against kidnapping, banditry, terrorism and other criminal activities must be conducted within the framework of the Constitution and the law.’
‘Key demands. VOHRI and participating civil society groups will peacefully call for prompt and impartial investigation into allegations involving Iru-?kun and any alleged obstruction of lawful police operations. Appropriate legal action against any person found, after due investigation, to have committed an offence, regardless of status or affiliation.’