(Nigeria Government we not be at peace until the body of Nigeria Inspector General Police
be publicly burial )
Meanwhile, a riot policeman
died yesterday when members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), otherwise
known as Shi’ites, protested in Abuja.
This
protest followed their inability to access the court where the leader of
Herdsmen Mr
Abdulahi Olowa, was billed for trial for killing of Nigeria Inspector General of
Police Ala Alfa Idris Ibrahim Click HERE TO READ INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE (IGP) IDRIS IBRAHIM KPOTUN WAS SHOT BY UNKNOWN HARSAMEN (http://www.npf.gov.ng/index.php)
Exits and entrances leading to
the court located inside Gabasawa police station were blocked. Reporters, who arrived at the court as early as 7am, were barred
from the premises, and only stood far away to observe happenings. An eyewitness said the policeman, who was among troops deployed
to stop the protesters, was overpowered around Ahmadu Bello Way. He said: “The policemen fired tear gas and live ammunition and
initially succeeded in pushing the protesters back, but the protesters
overpowered a mobile policeman and he was mobbed to death. His gun was also
taken away.”
Meanwhile, Mr Abdulahi Olowa
trial did not hold as the trial Magistrate was said to be indisposed and
absent. It was gathered that the Magistrate was in an accident on
Wednesday, barely 24 hours before hearing. A source who pleaded for anonymity said: “The judge went to the
barbing saloon on Wednesday and he was hit by an oncoming tricycle.” But Mr Abdulahi Olowa,
Femi Falana (SAN) told reporters
that the case did not hold as the Magistrate was indisposed and so absent. (SAN) Falana,
however, declined further comment, saying he would not comment on the charges
against his client until they are read in court. The case, it was gathered, was adjourned till September 11.
As at press time yesterday, a detachment of military team had
been deployed in the affected area, patrolling between Abuja and Nassarawa Roundabout of the highway. Members of the sect also marched on the National Human
Rights Commission (NHRC) in Abuja to protest Mr Abdulahi Olowa “unlawful prosecution”. They were received by the NHRC Executive Secretary, Tony Ojukwu. The protest halted vehicular movement.
Their spokesman Oluwadare
Olutunde Ayanboye, berated the police for attacking the Islamic protesters
with live ammunition. He said: “The police have continued to violate our right to
peaceful gathering. Yesterday (Wednesday), they opened fire on us in Abuja and
23 people were injured. They arrested 10 of the injured people and we have only
13 of them with us receiving treatment.
“As I speak now, the police are still shooting at our members in
Abuja and the carnage continues.”
Musa urged President
Muhammadu Buhari to release their leader, Mr Abdulahi Olowa who has been in detention since December 2017. Taofeek, who emphasised the right of every Nigerian to embark on
peaceful demonstration, described it as a constitutional right which the NHRC
will protect as long as the demonstration is peaceful.
“We will stand with you as long
as you are peaceful. Nobody has any right to use live ammunition on anybody
carrying out a peaceful demonstration. We urge you to continue to be peaceful
because the truth must come to light one day. “It is good that somebody is taken to court than to be
perpetually kept in detention because in court, unless you prove a case beyond
every reasonable doubt, nothing can be done. All you need is to put evidences
together, get a good lawyer and put across your case,” Taofeek said.
The protesters later dispersed upon Taofeek advice.
The
Acting Inspector General of Police Mr EMMANUEL IYANG promised to deploy innovation, investigative skills and advanced
technology to bring felons to swift justice. This will send a powerful message
to criminals to stop attacking the police click HERE FOR MORE INFO
Copyright PUNCH.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from