The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has raised concern over what it describes as a growing pattern of police powers being misused to intimidate and harass perceived political opponents in Enugu State.
In a statement issued by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, the organisation said it had received several complaints from citizens, lawyers and political actors alleging that criminal investigations, arrests, detention and prosecutions are increasingly being used against individuals over their political opinions, associations, or criticism of public officials.
“While we do not prejudge the merits of any individual criminal allegation,” Nwanguma said, the consistency of the complaints raises questions that “require urgent and impartial investigation” by the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.
According to the statement, supporters of a particular political tendency within one of the major political parties in the state have allegedly become targets of coordinated police action, with some individuals reportedly fearing arrest or prosecution over their political activities.
RULAAC noted that these concerns echo earlier public debate over the prosecution and prolonged incarceration of an Enugu-based lawyer and elected lawmaker in connection with political developments in the state. This case drew allegations of due process violations and perceived political motivation.
Nwanguma said that regardless of differing views on that case, it highlights the need to ensure criminal justice institutions are never used to settle political disputes or weaken opposition.
The statement stressed that the police owe allegiance to the Constitution and the Nigerian people, not to any political party or government, and that public confidence in policing depends on assurance that investigative powers will not be deployed for partisan ends.
It further pointed to constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression, association and political participation, arguing that citizens should not face criminal sanctions for legitimate political activity.
With Nigeria heading into another election cycle, RULAAC said preserving the political neutrality of law enforcement is essential to democratic stability.
The organisation called on the Inspector-General of Police to order an independent review of complaints alleging politically motivated investigations, arrests and prosecutions in Enugu State, and to direct a review of related case files at Force Headquarters to check compliance with constitutional safeguards and the Police Act 2020.
It further urged the police chief to ensure no citizen is arrested or prosecuted solely for political opinion, affiliation or peaceful advocacy, to reaffirm the force’s obligation to remain politically neutral across all commands, and to impose disciplinary measures where abuse of power or malicious prosecution is found.
RULAAC also urged the Police Service Commission, the National Human Rights Commission, the Nigerian Bar Association, civil society groups and other democratic stakeholders to remain vigilant in safeguarding the independence and neutrality of law enforcement institutions.
“Democracy cannot flourish where citizens fear arrest for their political beliefs,” Nwanguma said, adding that every citizen is entitled to equal protection and accountability under the law.
RULAAC said it remains committed to working with the Nigeria Police Force and other justice sector institutions to promote accountable policing and strengthen democratic governance in Nigeria.
