RULAAC Accuses Police of Politicisation in Enugu, Seeks IGP Intervention

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre has raised alarm over what it described as the alleged politicisation of policing and criminal justice processes in Enugu State, calling on the Inspector-General of Police to intervene.

In a statement, on Monday, RULAAC Executive Director Okechukwu Nwanguma said the group has received complaints from citizens, lawyers, and political actors alleging that criminal investigations, arrests, detention, and prosecutions are being used to intimidate and harass perceived political opponents in the state.

RULAAC said the complaints point to a pattern where supporters of a particular political tendency within one of the major parties in Enugu have become targets of coordinated police actions. “Several individuals reportedly fear arrest or prosecution, while others have already been subjected to criminal investigations arising from political activities or expressions made in the course of democratic engagement,” the statement read.

The group noted that while it does not prejudge individual cases, “the consistency of these complaints raises serious questions that require urgent and impartial investigation” by the Nigeria Police Force leadership.

RULAAC said the concerns echo earlier public debate surrounding the prosecution and prolonged incarceration of an Enugu-based legal practitioner and elected lawmaker linked to political developments in the state. That case, the group said, drew allegations of denial of due process and use of criminal proceedings in circumstances seen by observers as politically motivated.

The statement stressed that the constitutional role of the Nigeria Police Force is to enforce the law impartially. “The Police owe allegiance to the Constitution and the people of Nigeria—not to any political party, elected official or government of the day,” RULAAC said. It added that citizens are entitled to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association, and political participation without fear of criminal sanctions.

Ahead of another electoral cycle, RULAAC urged the Inspector-General of Police to:

1. Order an independent review of all complaints alleging politically motivated investigations, arrests, detention, and prosecutions in Enugu State.

2. Direct a review of relevant case files at Force Headquarters to determine compliance with constitutional safeguards, due process, and the Police Act 2020.

3. Ensure no citizen is arrested, detained, or prosecuted solely for lawful political opinion, affiliation, peaceful advocacy, or criticism of public officials.

4. Reaffirm to all Police Commands the constitutional obligation to remain politically neutral.

5. Take disciplinary and administrative measures where investigations reveal abuse of police powers or malicious prosecution.

The group also called on the Police Service Commission, National Human Rights Commission, Nigerian Bar Association, civil society organisations, and democratic stakeholders to safeguard the independence and neutrality of law enforcement institutions.

“Democracy cannot flourish where citizens fear arrest for their political beliefs or where criminal justice institutions are perceived as tools for suppressing dissent,” Nwanguma said. 

RULAAC said it remains committed to engaging with the Nigeria Police Force and other justice sector institutions to promote accountable policing and strengthen democratic governance.