According to human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, the journalist who was arrested around 12 am on Monday while in transit, was accused of “moving at night”.
A journalist and broadcaster with Lagos Television, Mr. Casmir Ozuruigbo has been arrested by officers of the Lagos State Police Command.
According to human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, the journalist who was arrested around 12 am on Monday while in transit, was accused of “moving at night”.
He is said to be in detention on the order of the Divisional Police Officer of Akinpelu Police Station, Bolade, Oshodi, Lagos.
“I have just received a distress call from a journalist and broadcaster, Mr. Casmir Ozuruigbo. He told me that he was arrested and tortured at about 12am this morning by policemen in Lagos for ‘moving at night,’” the lawyer posted on Facebook.
“Casmir is a journalist and newscaster with Lagos Television. He is presently being detained at Akinpelu Police Station, Bolade, Oshodi. He managed to call me moments ago before his phone was seized from him.
“Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees freedom of movement.
“I specifically asked him whether the policemen have disclosed his offense or the reason for his arrest and detention, he said they told him that he was arrested for ‘moving in the night’. The Constitution does not place a time limit on the right to freedom of movement.
“It is provocative that despite all the talks about police reform, we are still witnessing this level of abuse of police power and disdain for the fundamental rights of citizens. I call on the Lagos State Police Command to immediately release Casmir. This is one impunity too many.
“Casmir was returning from the Island to the Mainland when he was arrested by the police. The policemen also arrested some other persons on the road for the same flimsy reason of moving in the night. While some have been released, Casmir and two others are still in custody.
“The DPO is upset because Casmir refused to make a statement. How do you demand written statement from a citizen who has not been told what offense he has committed? They only allowed him to call me because he insisted on consulting me before deciding whether to make a statement.”