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…Demands the immediate arrest, investigation, and prosecution of Agbor, Ibrahim Giwa, and all vigilante members involved
By Idahosa Moses
Concerned Edo Citizens, a non-governmental organisation in Edo State, have demanded Justice for Comrade Okhai Okhani, a rights activist who was recently brutalized by people identified as local vigilante members in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area.
The group, who described the assault on the rights activist as not only gruesome human rights violation, but abuse of power capable of snowballing into a full scale anachy, alleged that the police have failed to act on the incident.
Consequently, it called on the Nigeria Police Force, the State Security Service, the Edo State Government, the National Human Rights Commission, the media, and the international community to act swiftly and decisively towards bringing the perpetrators to book
Addressing newsmen on Thursday in Benin, Marxist Kola Edokpayi, Coordinator, Concerned Edo Citizens, said the action of the vigilante members constituted a clear violation of the Nigerian Constitution and natural laws
He said: “We are here to demand justice for Comrade Okhai Okhani, President of the Edo North Unity Forum, who on Saturday, July 26, 2025, was the victim of a brutal and near-deadly attack orchestrated by over fifty (50) vigilante members in Okpella
“Comrade Okhani was forcefully abducted, beaten to stupor and tortured in a desolate area — his life hanging by a thread. According to eyewitness reports and the victim himself, the attackers clearly intended to execute him extrajudicially.
“However, due to swift public reaction and outrage, they aborted their plan and instead handed him over to the police.
“Most alarmingly, when they turned him in, the vigilante leaders told the Auchi Area Commander, ACP Lawrence Adjihu, that they acted under “an order from above.
“This statement raises serious concerns about possible state-backed abuse of power and official complicity in what amounts to an attempted extrajudicial killing.
“Rather than provide medical assistance or initiate an investigation into what transpired, the Area Commander, ACP Adjihu, a very senior police officer unlawfully detained Comrade Okhani who was almost dead for over four (4) hours in a cell, despite his critical condition”
“His family members and well-wishers were denied access to him throughout the ordeal. This conduct is a blatant dereliction of duty and a violation of constitutional rights and professional ethics.
“Despite the matter being promptly reported to the relevant authorities of the Nigeria Police Force through both oral reports and a formal written petition, the police have failed to act.
“No arrests have been made so far , and no investigation has commenced. Even more disturbing is that the perpetrators of this dastardly act still walk freely across Edo North, openly threatening anyone who dares to interfere in the matter.
“They continue to boast that they are untouchable because they operate under “an order from above.” This has created an atmosphere of fear, intimidation, and lawlessness in the region — and must not be allowed to continue.
“This incident constitutes a clear violation of the Nigerian Constitution and national laws, including: Section 33(1) – Right to Life; Section 34(1)(a) – Right to Dignity and Protection from Torture;
“Section 35(1) – Right to Personal Liberty;Section 36(5) – Right to Presumption of Innocence; The Anti-Torture Act, 2017 – which prohibits all forms of torture and inhuman treatment by state or non-state actors.
“In light of the gravity of this offence, we demand the immediate arrest, investigation, and prosecution of Agbor, Ibrahim Giwa, and all vigilante members involved in the abduction, torture, assault, and attempted murder of Comrade Okhani.
“Immediate redeployment and disciplinary action against ACP Lawrence Adjihu for gross misconduct, abuse of office, and endangering the life of a citizen.
“A thorough investigation into the alleged “order from above” to uncover any higher authorities who may have sanctioned this criminal operation.
“Provision of comprehensive medical, psychological, and legal support to Comrade Okhai Okhani.
“A complete overhaul and regulation of vigilante operations across Edo State, including retraining, accountability systems, and strict adherence to human rights laws
The group also appealed to the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpehbolo, to take decisive action over in the incident, noting that the issue is not only human rights violation; but also a direct threat to public order and the credibility of his administration.
“Your Excellency, we urge you to ensure that this injustice and dastardly act is fully investigated and those responsible are brought to justice.
“Doing so will send a strong message to all those attempting to undermine the peace and progress of your government, and serve as a deterrent to others who wish to tarnish your name or derail the integrity of your administration”, he concluded.
