A group, Security Situation Room (SSR) has strongly condemned what it described as “the persistent impunity, unlawful detention practices, and gross violations of fundamental human rights allegedly perpetrated by officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) across Nigeria.”
SSR expressed its disgust at “reports indicating that NDLEA detention facilities across the country have, in many instances, become zones of prolonged and unlawful incarceration—where citizens are held for months without trial, without due process, and in blatant disregard for constitutional provisions.
“These practices are reminiscent of authoritarian detention systems and stand in direct contradiction to the rule of law in a democratic society.”
While referring to the sudden collapse and death of a suspect, Titilayo Akindele, in a federal high court, Benin, today, SSR stated that the 52 year old woman, who was said to have been in the NDLEA custody for three months, was reportedly found with substances valued at ₦30,000. She was brought before the court in a visibly deteriorating state of health.
Making its demand, SSR, among others, called for “an independent and transparent investigation into the death of Mrs. Titilayo Akindele; immediate suspension and removal of all NDLEA officials directly involved in this incident; the removal of the State Commander and a comprehensive overhaul of the NDLEA command structure in the affected jurisdiction.”
Other demands by the SSR include that “the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice of Nigeria, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN (Senior Advocate of Nigeria) to urgently intervene and ensure accountability, justice, and strict adherence to constitutional provisions by the NDLEA and the establishment of oversight mechanisms to monitor detention conditions and prevent future abuses.”
On a final note, SSR posited that “the death of Mrs. Titilayo Akindele must not be swept under the carpet. Justice must not only be done—it must be seen to be done.
“The SSR stands in solidarity with the family of the deceased and all victims of unlawful detention and abuse. We will continue to demand accountability until justice is served.”
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