‎PRESS RELEASE

‎10th December 2025 | Aba, Abia State.

‎CEHRAWS MARKS 2025 INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DAY WITH A CALL FOR ACCOUNTABILITY, POLICE REFORMS AND AN END TO IMPUNITY IN NIGERIA

‎The Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS) joins the global community today in commemorating the 2025 International Human Rights Day, celebrated annually on 10th December to honour the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948, a charter that affirms the inherent dignity and equal rights of all human beings.

‎This year’s theme, “Dignity, Freedom & Justice for All”, is a powerful reminder that the promise of human rights means little if state institutions continue to act in ways that undermine justice, erode public trust, and violate the very dignity they are sworn to protect. Dignity demands that every human being be treated with respect; Freedom requires protection from abuse of power; and Justice insists that state institutions remain accountable, transparent, and subject to the rule of law.

‎Yet, as CEHRAWS reflects on the state of human rights in Nigeria today, we are confronted with troubling realities that show how far our country is from actualising this year’s global message.

‎A DISTURBING CASE THAT SYMBOLISES A BROADER NATIONAL PROBLEM

‎In the spirit of this year’s theme, CEHRAWS draws attention to a recent incident that perfectly illustrates the systemic challenges confronting the nation: the gross misconduct of officers at the Monitoring Unit of Zone 9 Police Command Headquarters, Umuahia, in their handling of the case involving Mr. David Isaac and his younger brother.

‎While marking International Human Rights Day, we find it deeply alarming that in 2025, seventy-seven (77)  years after the UDHR, citizens in Nigeria can still be subjected to unlawful arrest, degrading treatment, extortion, prolonged detention, and attempted perversion of justice by the very institution constitutionally mandated to protect them.

‎CEHRAWS has already petitioned the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 9, detailing how the Monitoring Unit:

‎✓ Arrested citizens without due process, contrary to Section 32 of the Police Act 2020

‎✓ Subjected them to degrading treatment prohibited by Section 34(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution

‎✓ Detained them for days in violation of Sections 30 & 31 of the ACJA 2015

‎✓ Demanded an unlawful bail sum of ₦1,000,000 and eventually extorted ₦150,000

‎✓ Allegedly planted evidence, raising grave concerns under Section 125 of the Criminal Code

‎✓ Shielded a suspect in a serious arson case while persecuting the victim

‎✓ And, most shockingly, boasted openly that no petition or complaint against them could work because they are “the AIG’s boys.”

‎It is even more troubling that CEHRAWS has, over time, received numerous similar complaints about this same unit, indicating a notorious pattern of impunity, rights violations, and abuse of authority.

‎This is not an isolated case. It is a symptom of a much deeper structural decay that must be confronted head-on.

‎”Human Rights Day Means Nothing if impunity Thrives”

‎… Anonymous.

‎If “Dignity, Freedom & Justice for All” is to be more than a slogan, then Nigeria must demonstrate its commitment by confronting impunity wherever it exists, especially within law enforcement.

‎A policing system where officers feel bold enough to declare themselves above accountability is incompatible with any modern, democratic society.

‎A justice system where victims become targets while suspects hide behind corrupt alliances is a direct attack on the UDHR’s core principles.

‎A society where citizens fear state actors more than criminals is one where human rights are merely theoretical.

‎OUR CALL TO ACTION

‎On this International Human Rights Day, CEHRAWS urgently calls on:

‎✓ The Inspector-General of Police

‎✓ Police Service Commission

‎✓ National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)

‎✓ House Committee on Police Affairs

‎✓ House Committee on Public Petitions

‎✓ Hon. Commissioner for Justice, Abia State

‎✓ Civil society networks and oversight bodies

‎to intervene decisively, not only in the case of Mr. David Isaac, but in addressing the broader culture of abuse within the Zone 9 Monitoring Unit.

‎We reiterate our demands:

‎1. Immediate withdrawal of the case from the Monitoring Unit.

‎2. Transfer of the matter to a neutral, professional investigative unit.

‎3. Accountability for the officers involved, including for torture, extortion, evidence fabrication, and their reckless claim to be untouchable.

‎4. Return of all extorted funds and unlawfully seized items.

‎5. Provision of medical care and restitution for the victims.

‎6. A wider institutional audit of the Monitoring Unit, given its repeated allegations of misconduct.

‎CONCLUSION

‎As the world celebrates human rights today, CEHRAWS reminds the relevant authorities that human rights are not honoured by speeches but by action.

‎Nigeria cannot meaningfully join the global call for “Dignity, Freedom & Justice for All” while citizens continue to be brutalised, extorted, and denied justice by state actors.

‎We therefore urge the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force, oversight institutions, and all lovers of democracy to ensure that today’s commemoration translates into real accountability, real reforms, and real justice.

‎CEHRAWS remains steadfast in its mission:

‎To defend the oppressed, challenge injustice, and insist that no officer, no unit, and no institution is above the law.

‎Signed:

‎Obimma Chikadibia Amaefula, Esq 

‎Head Legal Unit

‎cehraws@gmail.com | +234 808 035 1242 (WhatsApp only)

‎Facebook: @cehraws

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