The Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED) has condemned the continued detention of a Lagos businessman, Abdulwaheed Abdulraheem by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
CHRICED’S Executive Director, Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi described the detention of Abdulraheem since October 18, 2023 as “a serial violation of his rights, the rule of law and natural justice”, in a statement made available to The Explainer on December 3.
“It is also clear from the way the case is unfolding that the officials in charge of the case have been abusing their powers in order to reach a predetermined outcome”, said Zikirullahi.
The statement said some officers of NAFDAC arrested Abdulraheem claiming they were investigating a case involving some suspected drug traffickers arrested in Jedda Saudi Arabia
“To the best of our knowledge, Alhaji Abdulwaheed, runs a travel agency business, which processes visas, travel tickets and accommodation for teeming clients.
“That some travellers whom he processed visas for were alleged to be found in possession of illicit drugs, does not necessarily mean the businessman was involved in the crime, especially if there is no evidence to indict him”, it stated.
CHRICED’s Executive Director added that some NDLEA officials have kept Abdulwaheed “are apparently detaining Alhaji Abdulwaheed, while fishing for evidence, and without following the due process of the law”.
This approach violates the provisions of Section 7 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, which makes it abundantly clear that ‘a person shall not be arrested in place of a suspect’, he noted.
“While CHRICED is not against law enforcement institutions carrying out their lawful duties, the law enforcers themselves must adhere to the law. Violating the rights of a citizen, even if he or she is suspected of breaking the law, cannot be justified.
“CHRICED therefore calls on the NDLEA officials concerned to act strictly in accordance to the law and ensure the rights of Alhaji Abdulwaheed as provided for in extant laws, are respected and protected”, the statement added.
