NHRC, Justice has eluded me

My search for justice from the illegal arrest, detention and torture by Inspector Ibrahim Agu on 15th April 2013 on the allegations that I was a Boko Haram (BH) member was a long, frustrating and tortuous journey.  

A journey in which State institutions seem to conspire with my tormentors to inflict further injustice on me. Yet, I am determined in this lonely struggle to achieve justice.  

I was detained for four days in SARS facility in Abuja by Inspector Ibrahim Agu. I was quickly released from detention as a result of illness and hospitalization. This sickness later deteriorated resulting in seeking medical attention abroad.  

In search for justice, I first petitioned the Chairman Police Service Commission on July 25, 2016, which I copied to the Inspector General of Police and the Executive Secretary National Human Rights Commission. The petitions were suppressed and no action was taken by the three agencies of government.

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With the setting up of the Independent Investigative Panel on Human Rights Violations Against SARS by the Federal Government following the nation-wide protest against SARS and police brutality, I wrote a petition to the Panel through the Executive Secretary National Human Rights Commission, dated November 11, 2020, titled “ILLEGAL ARREST AND DETENTION BY THE POLICE (TASK FORCE ON ANTI TERRORISM AND HEINOUS CRIMES).” I appeared before the Panel three times sometimes travelling from Maiduguri to attend proceedings in Abuja.  

Inspector Ibrahim also appeared before the Panel. According Inspector Ibrahim, my arrest was prompted by a petition written against me by one Bashir Goni who claimed the following: that I am a Boko Haram member, have trained/recruited 600 people into BH and that I supplied the group with 200 AK 47 guns.  

Being a rogue policeman, Ibrahim did not conduct any background check on me, he had no adverse intelligence report against me, Bashir’s petition was not backed by a sworn affidavit nor has he obtained a warrant from the court of law to search my house or arrest me. The petitioner was never produced, no gun was found in my possession and as a public servant there was no evidence that my earnings could afford to buy 200 AK47 guns for BH. None of these made-up allegations above could be proved against me since 2013. At the end of Ibrahim Agu’s phanthom investigations, he arrogantly told me “go you are free, you are not Boko Haram.”  

Ibrahim Agu was not held accountable for his actions; the police did not apologise for my maltreatment and the indignity of being locked up in SARS facility for days.  

I am not relenting until I find justice for arresting and detaining me without professionally doing due diligence and extorting money from me even in my helpless situation.  

The work of the Independent Investigative Panel has enhanced the image of the National Human Rights Commission. At the end of the Panel’s assignment, I was availed the entire proceedings of the investigation. It was TRANSPARENT. However, the Commission MUST insist the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and the Inspector General of Police to conclude all cases referred to them by the Investigative Panel which also included mine.  

The report of the Investigative Panel if fully implemented will boost the human rights record of the country. Such a national assignment should not be termed inconclusive, please.  

My article titled ‘When I was a Boko Haram Member” published in Daily Trust Newspaper attracted sympathy from many well-meaning Nigerians through calls and text messages. Many condemned the level of unprofessionalism, brutality and corruption that is the Nigerian police. Inspector Ibrahim Agu (my Investigating Police Officer) must be held accountable for his evil actions. I will pursue justice no matter how frustrating so that rogue policemen will value us ordinary Nigerians. Fodio said, a nation can endure disbelief, it cannot endure injustice.  

Mustpha Bukar Sabo, EFAB Estate HS No. 43, 3rd Avenue, Mbora District, Abuja [email protected]