The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has denied accusing soldiers of firing live bullets at workers executing a court-ordered demolition in Asese, Ogun State on Sunday.
HURIWA, in a press statement read at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, commended the Nigerian soldiers for their timely and commendable intervention, which it said prevented a potentially deadly clash in the community.
Eyewitness accounts and credible sources confirm that the soldiers were on a routine patrol and not hired by any party involved in the dispute, the group said.
Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, National Coordinator of the group, who spoke to the media explained, “According to eyewitness accounts, a team of Nigerian Army soldiers on routine patrol intervened in a face-off between police attached to the Inner City Mission compound and thugs reportedly backed by a detachment of fully armed Police Mobile Force (PMF) 41.
“This orchestrated onslaught,” he said, “almost resulted in mayhem and a breakdown of law and order in the Asese community.
He explained that “The conflict originated from an interlocutory order issued by Justice B.B. Adebowale of the Ogun State High Court in Abeokuta on July 1, 2024, in favour of Mr Paul Audu, mandating the demolition of a fence between his property and the Inner City Mission.
“The defendants, Inner City Mission for Children, promptly appealed the order the same day and obtained a notice of appeal and a stay of execution, which were duly served on all relevant parties, including the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, and the Ibafo Divisional Police Officer (DPO).”
According to Onwubiko, “Despite the appeal processes, Mr Audu, agitated by the situation, resorted to self-help by allegedly hiring thugs and procuring men from PMF 41 from outside Ogun State to support his illegal actions.
“On July 3, 2024, when Mr Audu attempted to enforce the court order with the help of thugs and PMF 41, the DPO, having been served the notice of appeal and stay of execution, declined to provide police backing, recognizing the legal implications.”
He further explained, “Reportedly, on July 6, 2024, Mr Audu again mobilised thugs and PMF 41 to invade the premises of the Inner City Mission, wielding dangerous weapons and an excavator to demolish the disputed fence.
“The situation escalated as the PMF 41 began shooting sporadically into the air to intimidate the workers who resisted the demolition.
“The gunshots caused panic in the neighbourhood, attracting the attention of the Nigerian Army soldiers on patrol,” he added.
He stated that “the timely intervention of the soldiers prevented further violence and potential loss of life.
“Upon sighting the soldiers, Femi and his thugs fled the scene, restoring peace and order to the community.”
He narrated that “the presence of the soldiers effectively de-escalated the situation, ensuring that the conflict did not escalate into a larger and more dangerous confrontation.”
HURIWA commended the Nigerian Army for their professionalism and dedication to maintaining peace and security in Asese.
The association noted that their intervention was critical in preventing a dangerous situation from spiralling out of control and protecting the lives of innocent residents.
The group emphasised that the soldiers’ actions exemplified their commitment to upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the community.
HURIWA highlighted that the soldiers, according to eyewitness accounts, were not procured by any party but were on a routine patrol as part of their duty to ensure security in the area, adding that their involvement was purely to restore normalcy and prevent the situation from deteriorating further.
Furthermore, HURIWA called on the Inspector General of Police to address the alarming issue of police officers being allegedly procured from outside their jurisdiction to participate in civil matters and cause mayhem.
Frowning upon the involvement of PMF 41, HURIWA noted that this highlights a concerning trend of police officers engaging in illegal duties and working in tandem with armed thugs.
The association said this practice undermines the integrity of law enforcement and poses a significant threat to public safety.
“The Inspector General of Police must take decisive action to curtail the involvement of police officers in such illegal activities. It is imperative to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged deployment of PMF 41 in this incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
“The integrity of the Nigerian Police Force must be upheld, and steps should be taken to prevent any recurrence of such incidents in the future.
“HURIWA stands firmly against the false reports maligning the Nigerian Army and distorting the events in Asese. We commend the soldiers for their exemplary conduct and call on the authorities to address the misuse of police resources in civil matters. It is crucial to uphold the rule of law and ensure justice prevails for all parties involved.”
The group noted that it remains “committed to advocating for human rights and justice, and we will continue to monitor developments in this case to ensure that the truth is upheld and that peace and security are maintained in Asese and beyond.”
Following the development, the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State, CP Abiodun Alamutu reiterated his directive that the DPO Ibafo should ensure that the status quo at the time of the appearance is maintained, and that there should be no further threat to peace in the area.