CISLAC petitions IGP, NASS, others over misconduct of police against judiciary in Potiskum

November 14, 2024

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CISLAC petitions IGP, NASS, others over misconduct of police against judiciary in Potiskum

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, and the Police Service Commission over the recent breach of conduct, disregard for court orders and disrespect to judicial independence by the Nigeria Police Force, Potiskum Command, Yobe State.

The petition against the area commandant, Potiskum division and the Yobe State Commissioner of Police was also sent to the Senate and the House of Representatives committees on police affairs.

The petition read, “We are writing on behalf of concerned citizens to formally petition against the Area Commandant, Potiskum Division, and the Commissioner of Police, Yobe State, following serious allegations of misconduct on 29th October 2024.

“This petition addresses the Nigeria Police Force’s Code of Conduct, constitutional principles, and legal obligations under Nigerian and international law, demonstrating how recent actions of police officers in Potiskum contravened multiple legal standards, endangered judicial independence, and eroded public trust.

What transpired

On October 29th, 2024, armed officers from the Potiskum Area Command invaded the Chief Magistrate Court in Potiskum, Yobe State, in an action that compromised the court’s independence and disrupted lawful proceedings.

These officers entered the courtroom armed, creating an atmosphere of fear, which led court staff, lawyers, and litigants to scramble for safety.

The officers forcibly removed Abdullahi Aji Bulama and Mr. Kabir (A.T.O) from the court, despite their lawful conviction and sentencing by Chief Magistrate 1 in case No.YBS/PT/CMC/32DC/2024, in flagrant defiance of a lawful detention order, which undermined judicial proceedings, breached multiple principles of police conduct and set a troubling precedent for non-compliance with court orders.

Initially, a direct criminal complaint was filed against Abdullahi Aji Bulama and Mr Kabir (A.T.O.) for Police Brutality, serving under the Potiskum Area Commander’s office.

The matter was scheduled for mention on March 20th, 2024, but the area command refused summons on two separate occasions, leading to an adjournment.

Furthermore, CISLAC said the Nigerian Police Force is expected to act ethically and uphold the principles of respect, integrity, and duty toward Nigerian citizens.

“It is bound by law to uphold justice, protect public rights, and respect judicial authority as provided under Section 4 of the Police Act, 2020.

“Officers must adhere to the Code of Conduct, perform their duties impartially, and respect judicial processes as enshrined in Part XVI, Sections 131-134 of the Police Act.

“It is on this premise that we, hereby, submit this complaint against police misconduct, particularly the recent violation of judicial sanctity and authority.

See the petition below;