The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre has petitioned Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu for an independent investigation into a case involving alleged vandalism and theft of telecommunications equipment valued at about ₦150 million.
The Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex in Lagos had arrested four persons in connection with allegations that telecommunications installations were attacked and equipment stolen in Lagos and parts of the South-East.
Police said items recovered included solar batteries, surveillance cameras, solar panels and other equipment.
RULAAC, however, said information obtained from persons connected with the case raised questions requiring investigation by officers outside the team currently handling it.
The organisation asked for scrutiny of the chronology of the petitions, the origin of recovered equipment, an earlier police case involving some of the parties, alleged damage to CCTV equipment and claims of retaliation after a businessman sought outside assistance.
RULAAC emphasised that it was not seeking to shield anyone shown by credible evidence to have participated in vandalism, robbery, theft or knowingly receiving stolen property.
Police have said efforts are continuing to trace other persons allegedly connected with the suspected syndicate and that those in custody would be prosecuted on appropriate charges.
The competing claims remain allegations requiring independent verification. The central rule-of-law issue is whether the investigation and any eventual prosecution are based upon independently verifiable evidence and conducted without abuse of police powers.
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- SOURCE: Punch
