Kebbi ADC alleges arrest, intimidation of members, supporters

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of using security agencies to arrest, detain and intimidate its members and supporters in the state.

Speaking on behalf of ADC stakeholders in Kebbi at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, Garba Maidoki, senator representing Kebbi south, said party members had been arrested, detained and prosecuted in circumstances that disregarded due process.

Maidoki said while the police and other law-enforcement agencies are mandated to investigate suspected offences, political affiliation should not be used as a basis for depriving citizens of their liberty.

Maidoki appealed to the judiciary to exercise “the highest degree of circumspection” and independence when considering applications for remand, detention or other orders restricting the liberty of party members.

The senator said the party would petition the Police Service Commission (PSC) and the inspector-general of police (IGP) over allegations that some police officers acted on directives from politicians to target opposition members.

The legislator called for an “immediate end to any arrest, detention or prosecution undertaken for the purpose of intimidating citizens because of their political affiliation or peaceful political activities”.

“Every ADC member or supporter currently in custody must be treated strictly in accordance with the constitution and applicable laws, including the right to know the basis for their arrest, access to legal representation, and be brought before a competent court where required by law,” the lawmaker said.

The senator called for public institutions and security agencies to be prevented from being used to suppress legitimate political opposition or peaceful democratic participation.