The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), a human rights organization, has criticized the Nigeria Police Force for allegedly misusing their authority and compromising the legal system in an effort to silence dissent.
RULAAC condemned the ongoing detention of journalist Chinonso Uba, commonly known as Nonso Nkwa, describing it as a clear case of intentional victimization and political persecution due to the lack of credible evidence against him.
Okechukwu Nwanguma, the Executive Director of RULAAC, issued a statement on Thursday asserting that the police’s actions reflect a blatant abuse of power aimed at suppressing political opposition. He noted that the police were aware that a Magistrates’ Court does not have the jurisdiction to hear the charges against Uba, yet they chose to present him there to extend his detention unjustly.
“The treatment of Nonso Nkwa appears to be a form of political targeting and victimization,” Nwanguma stated. “Bringing him before a court that lacks the necessary jurisdiction shows a clear intent to keep him in custody longer than legally justified.”
He further criticized the police for arresting and detaining Uba without credible evidence, which undermines the integrity of the legal system and raises suspicions about the true motives behind the arrest. “Such actions suggest a possible abuse of power intended to silence critics or target individuals for political purposes,” he added.
Nwanguma emphasized that the police’s failure to present Nonso Nkwa’s case in a court with appropriate jurisdiction reflects a disregard for established legal standards and due process. He called for an independent review to ensure that law enforcement operates within legal boundaries and does not misuse its power for political gain.
According to Nwanguma, the case of Nonso Nkwa underscores the urgent need for accountability, transparency, and adherence to the rule of law to prevent state authorities from abusing their power.
Reports indicate that the Magistrates’ Court in Owerri, the capital of Imo State, denied Uba bail and ordered him remanded at the Owerri Correctional Centre. He was arraigned before Chief Magistrate His Worship Adikaibe on five charges brought against him by N.S. Onwochie, a Legal Prosecution Officer representing the state police commissioner.
The charges include conspiracy, treason, and arson. Uba was arrested on October 20 near Teachers House, located on the Owerri-Port Harcourt Road, following a petition concerning viral videos that allegedly contained inciting statements. These videos reportedly related to the fire at the National Open University (NOUN) Study Centre in Nsu, Ehime Mbano Local Government Area, on September 30, 2024.
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