RULAAC RUES ALLEGED POLITICISATION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has raised concerns over alleged misuse of police powers and criminal justice processes to intimidate, harass and persecute perceived political opponents in Enugu State.

RULAAC said it has received a number of complaints from citizens, lawyers and political actors alleging that criminal investigations, arrests, detention and prosecutions are increasingly being deployed against individuals because of their political opinions, political associations or criticism of public officials.

Executive Director of RULAAC, Okechukwu Nwanguma, in a statement in Enugu yesterday, said that while the organisation does not prejudge the merits of any individual criminal allegation, the consistency of these complaints raises serious questions that require urgent and impartial investigation by the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.

Among the complaints brought to our attention are allegations that supporters of a particular political tendency within one of the major political parties in Enugu State have become the targets of coordinated police actions.

Several individuals reportedly fear arrest or prosecution, while others have already been subjected to criminal investigations arising from political activities or expressions made in the course of democratic engagement.

“These concerns do not arise in isolation. They resonate with earlier public concerns surrounding the prosecution and prolonged incarceration of an Enugu-based legal practitioner and elected lawmaker following events connected with political developments in the state.

“That case generated widespread public debate, with allegations of denial of due process, undue interference in the administration of justice, and the use of criminal proceedings in circumstances perceived by many observers as politically motivated. Regardless of differing views on the merits of that case, it underscores the imperative that criminal justice institutions must never become instruments for resolving political disputes or weakening democratic opposition,” Nwanguma stated.

He added that the constitutional role of the Nigeria Police Force is to enforce the law impartially and professionally, stressing that it owed allegiance to the Constitution and the people of Nigeria, not to any political party, elected official or government of the day.

Nwanguma argued that preserving the political neutrality of law enforcement agencies is indispensable to democratic stability, adding that the perception that police institutions are being used to intimidate political opponents or silence dissent undermines public trust, weakens democratic institutions and erodes the rule of law.