Amnesty International has condemned the continued detention of Engr. Tahiru Mohammed Salihu, describing the action as a blatant disregard for the rule of law and warning that prolonged, unexplained detention exposes suspects to the risk of torture and other forms of ill-treatment.
In a strongly worded statement, the global human rights organisation criticised the circumstances surrounding Salihu’s detention, insisting that security agencies must operate strictly within the confines of the law and respect constitutional safeguards.
The organisation argued that holding a suspect without due legal process undermines justice and erodes public confidence in Nigeria’s security and judicial institutions.
“Such bizarre detentions always put the suspect in danger of torture or ill-treatment,” Amnesty International stated, urging authorities to end what it described as an unlawful deprivation of liberty.
The rights group called on the Nigerian authorities to either promptly charge Salihu before a competent court or release him without further delay.
It also demanded that the detained engineer be granted immediate access to his family and legal counsel, stressing that these are fundamental rights guaranteed under both the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights obligations.
“The Nigerian authorities must abide by the rule of law at all times, including in the case of Engr. Tahiru Mohammed Salihu,” the organisation said.
“He must be provided with prompt access to family and adequate legal representation, charge him to court or release him from detention.”
Amnesty International further reminded government institutions, particularly security agencies, that their powers are subject to the law and must be exercised in accordance with constitutional and international human rights standards.
The organisation maintained that respect for due process remains the cornerstone of justice and urged the Federal Government to ensure that all law enforcement agencies uphold the principles of accountability, transparency and the rule of law in the discharge of their duties.