Police: Arrest, Detention Of Deltans, Have Become Intolerable –Rights Activist

By Daniel Dafe

Comr. (Amb) Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen, National Coordinator, Initiative For Social Rights Concerns And Advancement (ISRCA) AKA No Justice, No Peace, has said that “the persistent raids and arrests occurring within Delta State premises, particularly the detention of innocent and unarmed citizens, have become intolerable.”

The rights activist said this in a statement on Saturday.

Agberen, who strongly supported the crackdown on illicit drug sales and usage, called on the Delta State Command to “focus on apprehending traffickers and prosecuting them accordingly, rather than targeting law-abiding youths who are not involved in such activities and exploiting them for financial gain.”

According to him, “it is now well-known that a series of raids and arrests have been conducted in Warri, Uvwie, Okpe, and Ughelli areas under the directives of the Delta State Police Command’s Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), DCP Adejobi Olumuyiwa.”

Adding: “While issues of drug trafficking and abuse have become increasingly prevalent in the state, the police must exercise restraint and ensure that their actions are lawful, avoiding indiscriminate arrests and ensuring that genuine profiling is carried out, rather than using the situation as a means to generate money.”

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He continued: “The newly deployed Commissioner of Police, CP Oyeniyi Yemi, is advised to counsel the DC (Operations), DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, to maintain professionalism in executing his duties. Specifically, in Delta State, the police should refrain from unlawful arrests, proxy arrests, and extortion under the guise of bail. Instead, the Delta State Police Command should collaborate with the relevant agency responsible for handling drug-related cases, ensuring strict adherence to protocol and respect for citizens’ rights.”

“The Delta State Government, through the State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, should take a proactive stance on this matter, as the potential for tension in the state is evident given the instances of unprofessional conduct, injustices, and oppression perpetrated by the Delta State Police Command,” he concluded.