DHRD again condemns police brutality, calls for erring officers’ dismissal

By Mark Lenu

The Defence For Human Rights And Democracy (DHRD) has again condemned police brutality, harassment, extortion, and torture across the country, especially in Rivers State, adding that a Port Harcourt-based journalist recently escaped death.

DHRD, through its Chairman, Clifford Christopher Solomon urged the police to apologize and foot the medical bills of Sandra Kenneth, a correspondent with a radio station in Port Harcourt.

The statement read: the Defence For Human Rights And Democracy (DHRD) is disturbed over the unrepentant attitude of the Nigeria Police Force, who has taken her negative characteristics of brutality, harassment, extortion, and acts of torture to the zenith.

“In 2020, Nigerian youths trooped out to speak against the notorious activities of the Nigeria police who obviously were acting against the Right Act and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Tagged ‘ENDSARS’.

“Regrettably, the Nigeria police have again resumed these acts of violation of citizens fundamental human rights.

“Just this week, Sandra Kenneth, a correspondent with Today 95.1 FM narrowly escaped death in the hands of some police officers namely: Preye Ironson, Dornubari Kpalap.N. and four others in operation at Rumuaghalu by road 1.

“This notorious act of the Nigeria police all over the nation has caused quantum death, using their guns to rob, harass and those who don’t succumb to their brutal force are shot dead.

“It is disturbing that when this ugly incident happened to Sandra Kenneth, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP Grace Iringe Koko, was contacted and she did nothing about it.

“DHRD, therefore, demands the following:
1. That the Rivers State police command should fish these police officers out for prosecution.
2. The Rivers State Police command should foot the medical bills of Sandra Kenneth.
3. The Rivers State Police command should within one week tender a public apology.
4. The Nigeria Police force should begin the dismissing and prosecuting of erring police officers who engage in acts of brutality, harassment, extortion, and torture to serve as a deterrent to the many bad eggs in the force.”