The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria has issued President Bola Ahmed Tinubu a three-week ultimatum to establish an independent judicial commission of inquiry into alleged human rights abuses in the South-East.
The group, while commending the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for intercepting 184.50 kilogrammes of cocaine estimated at N39 billion, said the Federal Government must also demonstrate a strong commitment to accountability over alleged rights violations in the region.
In a statement signed by its Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, HURIWA described the NDLEA’s seizure as a significant law-enforcement achievement capable of helping to prevent young Nigerians from falling into addiction, crime, violence and other consequences of drug abuse.
The association praised the NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), and officers of the agency for what it described as an intelligence-driven operation targeting international drug trafficking networks.
The commendation followed the arrest of alleged Nigerian cartel kingpin Afolabi Kazeem Michael, popularly known as “KC Luxury,” who was reportedly intercepted at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, while allegedly attempting to leave the country.
HURIWA said the operation highlighted the NDLEA’s growing capacity to trace drug shipments, identify suspected masterminds and expose international connections extending into Europe and Asia.
The group urged the agency to sustain its crackdown on drug cartels, clandestine laboratories, financial facilitators and local distribution networks. It also called for greater cooperation between the NDLEA, police, customs, financial intelligence agencies and foreign law-enforcement authorities, as well as increased funding and modern surveillance technology.
HURIWA said the cocaine seizure should reinforce the message that wealth, luxury lifestyles, social-media influence and international connections could not provide immunity from prosecution for suspected traffickers.
Turning to the South-East, however, the rights group said President Tinubu must act within three weeks to address allegations of serious human rights violations linked to security operations in the region.
It called for an independent judicial commission to investigate allegations of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, torture, arbitrary arrests, extortion and deaths in custody.
HURIWA said it would consult Amnesty International and other rights organisations on the possibility of petitioning the International Criminal Court (ICC) if the Federal Government failed to take credible steps towards an independent investigation and accountability.
The association cited allegations from Amnesty International findings indicating that at least 1,844 people were killed in the South-East between 2021 and mid-2023 amid violence involving non-state armed groups, state-backed outfits and security operations.
It also raised concerns about allegations involving the Police Anti-Kidnapping Unit, popularly known as Tiger Base, in Imo State, including claims of arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, torture, extortion and deaths in custody.
HURIWA stressed that the allegations had not been established as facts and should not be regarded as proven without an independent investigation.
It said testimonies from families of missing persons were particularly disturbing and should be properly examined rather than dismissed solely through official denials.
According to the organisation, the proposed commission should investigate alleged killings and disappearances, detention conditions, torture, extortion, denial of legal access and unlawful arrests. It should also identify victims and perpetrators and recommend appropriate remedies.
HURIWA warned against the indiscriminate classification of suspects as members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) or Eastern Security Network (ESN) as justification for arrests or other alleged abuses.
“If a person is suspected of terrorism, kidnapping, murder or any serious crime, arrest the person, investigate the allegation and take the person before a competent court. Do not replace prosecution with disappearance,” HURIWA said.
The group said its accountability efforts would also examine the role of the Imo State Government and Governor Hope Uzodimma, while stressing that demanding an inquiry did not amount to an allegation of guilt against the governor or any other official.
HURIWA urged the National Assembly, National Human Rights Commission, Nigerian Bar Association and civil society organisations to support the call for an independent inquiry.
It reiterated that if the Federal Government failed to act within three weeks, it would begin consultations with Amnesty International and other rights groups on escalating the matter beyond Nigeria, including the possibility of an ICC petition.
