The Labour Party has demanded the immediate release of Dr. Chigbo Okoli, Chairman of the sub-Committee on Registration and Revalidation of its National Transition Committee (NTC).
In a statement jointly signed by Mr. Abdulwahed Omar and Mr. Nnawuihe Nwauwa, Chairman and Secretary of the NTC respectively, the party expressed concern over Okoli’s arrest by individuals believed to be officers of the Nigeria Police Force.
According to the statement released in Abuja on Monday, Okoli was apprehended on June 25th, 2024, around 2pm shortly after leaving the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police at the Federal Capital Territory Command.
The party officials condemned what they described as a “gestapo-style” arrest, highlighting that Okoli was detained without being informed of any alleged offense or given access to legal representation or contact with his family.
They emphasized that since his arrest, Okoli has been held incommunicado without being formally charged or granted administrative bail.
Describing Dr. Okoli as a peaceful and law-abiding citizen who has not been implicated in any criminal activity, the officials underscored that all efforts by his family, attorneys, and associates to reach him have been unsuccessful.
They asserted that his continued detention violates his fundamental rights as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and other relevant statutes.
The Labour Party called upon the National Security Adviser, the Inspector General of Police, and other security agencies to ensure Dr. Okoli’s immediate and safe release without further delay.
