Extra judicial killings: NOPRIN wants end to summary execution in Anambra

The Network on Police Reform in Nigeria (NOPRIN), has berated what it termed the rate of extral judicial and summary execution being carried out by the police in Anambra State.

According to a statement signed by the National Coordinator of the group, Okechukwu Nwanguma, the activities of the Nigerian police specifically in Anambra State has according to him become worrisome in view of the fact that
it is contrary to the 1999 Nigerian Constitution as amended, and other legislation governing the operations and functions of the police.

According to him, "It is obvious that the duties of the Nigerian police Force in South Earth, especially in Anambra State are a direct consequence of the powers conferred on it by law. It becomes mandatory that the law must regulate the performance of its duties relating to arrest, detention, search, seizure and the use of force but these duties must be exercised strictly within the limits prescribed for the police by law.

"And any form of exercise of these powers which does not strictly conform to the prescription of the law have unpleasant consequences for the police as a corporate entity, as well as for the Individual police personnel."

Nwanguma argued further that Anambra State was singled out due to high rate of extra judicial killing and summary executions, with an addition that the State Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) have been known over the years for its notoriety for human rights abuses.

Making reference with the report of a research conducted in 2007 entitled 'Patterns and prevalence of police abuses in Nigeria: a National impact and advocacy research', the national coordinator insisted that SARS was responsible for most cases of extra judicial killing, torture, extortion and prolonged detention of detainees in police custody.

Nwanguma posited that
SARS often levy trumped-up charges and twist common offences like misdemeanour into serious crimes such as armed robbery or murder just to raise the stake for extortion.

According to him, "The police in Anambra State always back up their illegal activities with non existing laws of the state which empowered them to demolish any building used for any form of crime or built with the proceeds of crime without court order.

"I therefore call on the Inspector General of Police to call his officers to order most especially the Commissioner of Police in the state and the officer in charge of SARS, CSP James Nwafor."