The Nigerian Transparency and Accountability Watch Group has demanded the immediate release of Ambassador Dr. Otunba Adejare Adegbenro, the detained Director General of the National Commission for the Co-ordination and Control of Proliferation of Small Arms and Weapons (NATCOM).
Previously, the Coalition of Civil Society Networks (CCSN) and the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) had raised concerns regarding Adegbenro’s whereabouts.
He was invited by law enforcement agencies, and since then, his phone numbers have been unreachable.
The National Coordinator of Nigerian Transparency and Accountability Watch Group, Comrade Zakari Hashim in a statement, demanded a statement from the Nigerian Police regarding his detention and any petition against him.
“Nigerian Transparency and Accountability Watch Group, a non-partisan organization committed to upholding transparency, accountability, and the rule of law, is calling for the immediate release of Amb. Dr. Otunba Adejare Adegbenro, who has been unjustly detained by the Nigeria Police.
“Amb. Dr. Otunba Adejare Adegbenro is the grandson of Late democratic crusader and financier of NADECO Pa Alfred Rewane and Late Alhaji Aloye Dauda Soroye Adegbenro, former Premier of old Western Region and Minister of Land and Labour. Amb. Dr. Otunba Adejare Adegbenro who is the High Commissioner in Nigeria, International Human Rights Commission(International Human Rights Commission ( IHRC ) – IHRC Commissioners (ihrchq.org)) is a respected diplomat and advocate for social justice and security in Nigeria.
“He was taken into custody by the Nigeria Police on 26th April 2024. The circumstances surrounding his detention remain unclear, and the lack of transparency in this matter is deeply concerning.
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Hashim said as an organization dedicated to promoting transparency and accountability within Nigeria, they strongly condemn any actions that undermine the fundamental rights of individuals, including the right to due process and a fair trial.
He said the arbitrary detention of Adegbenro without clear justification is a blatant violation of his rights and is inconsistent with the principles of democracy and the rule of law.
“We urge the relevant authorities, especially the Presidency, The Inspector General of Police and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to immediately release Amb. Dr. Otunba Adejare Adegbenro and to ensure that his rights are fully respected. Additionally, we call for a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances of his detention to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
“Nigerian Transparency and Accountability Watch Group remains committed to monitoring this situation closely and will continue to advocate for justice and accountability in Nigeria”, the statement added.
NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
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