ADC Petitions Police Over Alleged Illegal Detention of Members in Kebbi

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has petitioned the Nigerian Police Force and the Police Service Commission (PSC) over the alleged illegal detention of some of its members and supporters in Kebbi State.

The party is also seeking the intervention of Amnesty International, saying the circumstances surrounding the arrests require an independent examination to determine whether due process was followed.

Politics Nigeria gathered that the Kebbi ADC Caucus in the National Assembly raised the concerns during a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday.

The briefing was organised jointly with the party’s Kebbi State executive, led by its chairman, Safiyanu Bala.

Speaking on behalf of the National Assembly caucus, Senator Garba Maidoki, who represents Kebbi South, said the party was not opposed to legitimate police investigations.

He, however, said the circumstances surrounding the reported arrests had raised concerns about the exercise of police powers and the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights.

Maidoki said the ADC recognised the constitutional responsibility of law enforcement agencies to investigate suspected offences and bring alleged offenders before the appropriate authorities.

He stressed that membership of the ADC should not shield anyone from investigation where there is credible evidence of wrongdoing.

At the same time, he argued that political affiliation should not be treated as evidence of criminality or become a reason for depriving anyone of their liberty.

The senator said any criminal allegation against members of the party should be investigated through lawful procedures and that those involved should be given the rights guaranteed under the Constitution.

“We wish to make a respectful but strong appeal to the judiciary to exercise the highest degree of circumspection, scrutiny independence and fidelity to the law whenever orders affecting the liberty of citizens are sought.

“We trust that the Judiciary will continue to serve as an independent safeguard for the rights of every citizen, irrespective of political affiliation,” he said.

Maidoki disclosed that the ADC would formally petition the Police Service Commission and the Inspector-General of Police over the conduct of some officers allegedly involved in the matter.

He said the complaints should be examined to establish whether the officers acted within the law, police regulations and professional standards.

The senator also called for an investigation into allegations of political interference, arbitrary detention, unlawful instructions and other forms of improper conduct.

According to him, the investigation should not only determine what led to the arrests but also establish whether due process was followed from the point of arrest through detention and any subsequent criminal proceedings.

The party further said it would take the matter to Amnesty International, particularly over allegations that police powers may have been used excessively against opposition members and supporters.

“We therefore appeal to the Inspector-General to examine the cases presented to his office and take whatever action is appropriate within its powers.

“We will also bring the relevant cases to the attention of Amnesty International, particularly with respect to allegations of excessive or arbitrary use of police powers against political opponents and supporters of the opposition.

“Where citizens are detained or subjected to criminal proceedings in circumstances suggesting that their political activities may have influenced the actions taken against them; such allegations raise legitimate human rights and democratic concerns,” he said.

The ADC caucus also called for an end to what it described as arrests, detention or prosecution aimed at intimidating citizens because of their political affiliation or peaceful political activities.

Maidoki said members or supporters of the party who are currently in custody should be treated in line with the provisions of the Constitution.

He specifically mentioned the right of detainees to know why they were arrested, have access to legal representation and appear before a competent court where required by law.

The senator also appealed to the Kebbi State Government and other relevant institutions to ensure that government agencies and public institutions were not used to intimidate citizens because of their political choices.

He urged ADC members and supporters in the state to remain calm while the matter is being pursued through legal and institutional channels.

Maidoki warned against retaliatory actions, stressing that no provocation should result in violence or any unlawful response from party members.

“We therefore call on the relevant institutions to give these concerns the attention they deserve and we urge all parties to ensure that the rights and dignity of every citizen are protected, regardless of political affiliation,” he said.

The Kebbi ADC chairman, Safiyanu Bala, also spoke at the briefing.

Bala said the party considered allegations of unlawful detention a serious matter because of the implications for fundamental rights, due process and the rule of law.

He said the issue should not be viewed simply as a dispute between political parties or individuals.

“Our concern is not about political affiliation. It is about the principles that should govern a democratic society and protect every citizen, regardless of party, status or political persuasion.

“We have therefore assembled here to present the facts as we understand them, raise the concerns of stakeholders, and call the attention of the relevant authorities and the Nigerian public to the matter,” he said.

The ADC has expanded its political structure in recent weeks, including the release of its governorship candidates across several states.

In Kebbi, former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, is the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 election.

The party has also been active in preparations for the National Assembly elections. The final list of senatorial candidates published by INEC included Maidoki Garba Musa as the ADC candidate for Kebbi South.