Firearms: CDHR Accuses Police Of Subversion, Warns Against Judicial Interference

The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has called political office holders, influential personalities to refrain from interfering with judicial processes in the country.

Dr. Kehinde Prince Taiga, the National President, CDHR in Nigeria, made the observation in a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday in Warri, Delta State.

Taiga also called on the Inspector General of Police and other Police hierarchy to act in the interest of justice and defence of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The CDHR President expressed displeasure over the manner the police released one Mr. Godwin Emonerame who was petitioned over alleged threat to life and unlawful possession of firearms.

He described the action of the Law Enforcement Agency in the matter as alleged apparent compromise and miscarriage of justice and called for the suspect’s re-arrest and prosecution.

According to him, the mandates of the Police are to ensure equality before the law, prevent corruption and guarantee justice and fairness without discrimination or bias.

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Taiga explained that Mr. S. G. Ediagbonuvie on April 30, 2025, had written a petition and addressed same to the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), bordering on threat to life and possession of illegal firearms by Mr. Emonerame.

He said that the petition was minuted and directed to the Special Tactical Squad (STS) for discreet investigation

“The investigation led to the arrest of the suspect and alleged recovery of firearms from his possession.

“Surprisingly, the suspect was allegedly released almost immediately from police custody without any meaningful investigation or prosecution.

“Such development is a clear indication of compromise and possible obstruction of justice, which the CDHR views as allege gross abuse of police powers and a betrayal of public trust,” he said.

Taiga, therefore, called for a comprehensive, transparent and independent investigation into the circumstances that led to the release of the suspect from the police custody.

He urged the police not to allow individuals or groups to corrupt or influence their statutory mandates through financial inducement, noting that the alleged offences against the suspect were serious felonies under the Nigerian Law.

According to him, Section 3 and 27(1)(a) of the Firearms Act, Cap F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (2004) strictly prohibit the possession or control of firearms without a valid license, prescribing severe penalties, including imprisonment.

“Similarly, Section 86 of the Criminal Code Act (Cap C38, LFN 2004) criminalizes any threat to kill or inflict grievous harm, punishable by up to seven (7) years imprisonment,” he said.

Taiga said that in line with the above legal provisions, the group demanded for the immediate re-arrest and prosecution of Mr. Emonerame in accordance with the Firearms Act and relevant provisions of the Criminal Code.

He said that the rule of law must prevail over political influence and corruption, stressing that CDHR frowned against selective justice in the country.

Taiga assured that the Committee would continue to monitor this case closely and ensure justice was not subverted.

He, however, warned that the group would not hesitate to mobilize lawful public actions in the advent of illegalities in the case.