***Condemns Police Intervention in Civil Matters
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned what it described as the unconstitutional and extralegal involvement of the Nigeria Police Force in the ongoing marital dispute between Senator Ned Nwoko and his estranged wife, Ms. Regina Daniels.
The rights group called on the senator to order the immediate release of his brother-in-law, Mr. Samuel Ojeogwu (popularly known as SammyWest), who is reportedly being detained at Suleja Prison.
In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, the organisation said it had received multiple distress calls from concerned citizens of Delta North and members of the public over alleged harassment of Regina Daniels’ family members by the police.
“According to these reports, Senator Ned Nwoko allegedly ordered the arbitrary arrest and detention of his brother-in-law, and now, there are threats of arresting Regina Daniels’ mother,” HURIWA said.
The group accused the police of overstepping their constitutional boundaries by meddling in private marital issues.
“We are calling on the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, to direct his officers to show professionalism and stay clear of domestic or civil matters involving couples,” Onwubiko stated.
“It is degrading that police officers allow themselves to be used by the rich and powerful to intimidate the weak. This pattern of behaviour portrays the Nigeria Police Force as an instrument of oppression rather than protection.”
HURIWA also criticised what it described as the “systemic misuse of the Cybercrime Act” by the police to justify arbitrary arrests and detention, warning that the practice erodes public trust in law enforcement.
“We will petition the Police Service Commission if the police fail to withdraw from this civil dispute and release Mr. Ojeogwu immediately,” the group warned.
HURIWA advised Senator Nwoko to seek traditional or family-based mediation to resolve his marital issues rather than involving security agencies.
“Marital quarrels are not criminal offences. The police have no legal role in compelling an estranged spouse to return home. If there is no case of domestic violence, their interference is unconstitutional,” Onwubiko said.
He added that even if there were genuine concerns, it would be unlawful to use the courts as a pretext to deny anyone’s fundamental human rights.
“Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution presumes every accused person innocent until proven guilty. The use of police power to intimidate or compel a private citizen to act against their will is a direct violation of that principle,” he said.