Oyo Rights Group Warns Against Parallel Security Forces, Urges Probe of Igboho Incident

A human rights organisation in Oyo State has urged the Federal Government and the Nigeria Police Force to prevent individuals or private groups from assuming the functions of law enforcement agencies.

The Vocalpoint Human Rights Initiative (VOHRI) said allowing parallel law enforcement structures to operate could create further security challenges and weaken the authority of legally established institutions.

The group made the call on Wednesday during a press conference in Ibadan, following a recent incident involving Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, and members of the Iru-Ẹkun Security Network.

VOHRI expressed concern over allegations that Igboho and his associates obstructed police officers who were attempting to arrest a suspect, Taa’ni Ọlọhun, in Ibadan. The organisation said the allegations should be properly investigated before any conclusions are reached.

Speaking at the briefing, VOHRI’s Public Relations Officer, Oladimeji Adelakin, said no individual or group should assume the authority to decide who can be arrested or subjected to punishment outside the legal system.

Adelakin urged residents with information about suspected criminal activities to report such matters to the appropriate security agencies instead of taking enforcement into their own hands. He said citizens had the right to demand protection for their communities, but investigation, arrest and prosecution should remain the responsibility of legally authorised institutions such as the police and the Department of State Services.

The rights group called on security agencies to conduct an impartial investigation into the alleged obstruction of police officers. It said that if wrongdoing was established, those responsible should face appropriate action in line with Nigerian law and due process.

VOHRI also called for an end to what it described as unlawful parallel law enforcement activities, stressing the need to protect the constitutional responsibilities of the Nigeria Police Force and other authorised security agencies.