BENIN CITY – A Benin City-based legal practitioner and human rights activist, Benjamin Iluobe, has called on Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to take decisive action against what he described as a growing trend of alleged police intimidation, extortion and brutality against innocent residents in the state.
Iluobe made the call while presenting what he said was evidence of the alleged unlawful withdrawal of ₦609,000 from the bank account of his client, Mr. Omofoman Omokhui Jeffrey.
According to the lawyer, although the money has since been refunded by the police, the incident should not be treated as an isolated case or swept under the carpet. He argued that those responsible should be identified and held accountable to prevent similar occurrences.
Displaying what he described as proof of the transaction, Iluobe urged the Edo State Government and the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthen oversight mechanisms and ensure officers found culpable of misconduct face appropriate disciplinary and legal action.
Speaking on the incident, Jeffrey alleged that he was wrongly profiled by police officers, assaulted and forced to surrender his Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card, after which ₦609,000 was allegedly withdrawn from his bank account without his consent.
The victim called for justice and appealed to the relevant authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly, insisting that victims of alleged police misconduct deserve protection and redress.
The allegations come amid continued public calls for greater accountability, professionalism and respect for human rights by law enforcement officers across the country.
As of the time of filing this report, the Edo State Police Command had not publicly responded to the specific allegations contained in the lawyer’s claims.
Credit:ITV News
