The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Solomon Arase, has denied placing embargo on visits to Shiite members in the police custody.
The IGP was reacting to an online report credited to him. The report alleged that he said to allow access to the sect members, he would have to seek “orders from the above”. He stated that at no time did he say that there would be special clearance from anywhere before the Shiite members could be visited while still in custody.
The IGP made it clear that the detainees could be visited by their friends, relatives and lawyers, observing necessary legitimate procedures. He assured of professional investigation of the incident and reassures of the commitment of the police to the protection of lives and property and adherence to the tenet of fundamental human rights.
Also, while receiving a delegation of Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs on a courtesy call in his office at Force Headquarters, the IGP emphasised that the police and other security agencies are conscious of Nigerian citizens’ fundamental rights and would protect them and appealed to the
Islamic body to use its reputable and respected platform to caution all groups in the country, that while they have the constitutional rights to express their views, it should not circumscribe the rights of others.
Earlier, the head of the delegation and the Secretary-General of Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Prof Ishaq Oloyede, had urged the IGP to look into the immediate and remote causes of the incident with a view to avoiding such in future.
The body equally appealed for possible medical assistance to those detained in connection with the incident.
