Petition on the Harassment of Comrade Victor Ojei (Senior Special Assistant to the Executive Governor of Delta State on Civil Societies and NGOs.) by Buffalo Police Unit of Delta Police Command
The Inspector General of Police,
Nigeria Police Force,
Edet House, Area 11, Garki, Abuja, Nigeria.
The Assistant Inspector General of Police,
Zone 5 Police Headquarters,
Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
The Commissioner of Police,
Delta State Police Command,
Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria.
Petition on the Harassment of Comrade Victor Ojei (Senior Special Assistant to the Executive Governor of Delta State on Civil Societies and NGOs.) by Buffalo Police Unit of Delta Police Command
Dear Sirs,
I am writing this petition on behalf of Public Interests and as a concerned citizen and civil society organizations interests to bring to your attention a grave incident of harassment and abuse of power involving Comrade Victor Ojei, the Senior Special Assistant to the Executive Governor of Delta State on Civil Societies and NGOs. The incident occurred on Saturday, the 26th of August 2023, in the vicinity of Okpanam Road, opposite the Next Shopping Plaza, beside the Delta Police Command Headquarters.
We acknowledge and appreciate that Nigeria has a comprehensive legal framework that safeguards the rights of its citizens, including the entrenchment of human rights in the constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights Act, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, and the Cybercrime Act. However, it is with grave concern that we bring to your attention the stark disparity between these laws and their practical implementation.
On the aforementioned date and location, Comrade Victor Ojei was subjected to a distressing ordeal by members of the Buffalo Police Unit of the Delta Police Command. Despite identifying himself as the Senior Special Assistant to the Executive Governor of Delta State on Civil Societies and NGOs and explaining that he was monitoring the enforcement of the monthly sanitation exercise, he was unjustly targeted and harassed.
The situation escalated when the officers insulted and demeaned Comrade Victor Ojei, using derogatory language and baseless accusations. This incident, reminiscent of past unfortunate occurrences, has the potential to exacerbate tensions within the community and erode public trust in law enforcement agencies. It is imperative to note that such actions were among the factors that fueled the nationwide #ENDSARS protests in 2020, which had far-reaching consequences for the nation.
Furthermore, the undue detainment and confiscation of Comrade Victor Ojei’s vehicle keys raise serious concerns about the misuse of power, abuse of office, and a blatant disregard for the rights and dignity of citizens. The fact that his release was secured only after the intervention of the Delta State Commissioner of Police underscores the gravity of the situation.
As responsible citizens, we recognize the importance of maintaining law and order. However, we implore you to ensure that the actions of a few rogue officers do not tarnish the image of the entire police force. We request that this petition be thoroughly investigated in an impartial manner, and that appropriate disciplinary actions be taken against those found guilty of misconduct. Furthermore, we urge for measures to be put in place to prevent future occurrences of such abuses of power.
We believe that upholding the principles of justice, fairness, and respect for human rights is crucial in maintaining the trust and cooperation between the police force and the citizenry. We kindly request your immediate attention to this matter and an update on the steps taken to address it.
Thank you for your understanding and prompt action.
Faithfully,
Comrade Victor Ojei popularly called Wong Box
Lead Activist and current Senior Special Assistant the Executive Governor of Delta State on Civil Societies and NGO’s
08038785262