According to the coalition, several petitions and formal complaints had earlier been submitted to the Edo State Commissioner of Police, accusing the DPO of extortion, bribery and abuse of authority.
The Edo State Civil Society Coalition for Human Rights has accused the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Uromi Division, CSP Monday Agbon, of alleged intimidation, abuse of office and institutional harassment against a human rights activist, Comrade General Henry Oziegbe.
The coalition for human rights made the allegations in a press statement on Saturday, condemned what it described as a sustained campaign of reprisal against Oziegbe, whom it identified as a social justice advocate and defender of marginalised communities in Uromi.
According to the coalition, several petitions and formal complaints had earlier been submitted to the Edo State Commissioner of Police, accusing the DPO of extortion, bribery and abuse of authority.
However, the coalition alleged that instead of submitting to investigation and accountability, CSP Agbon had allegedly resorted to intimidation and persecution of Oziegbe.
The coalition in the statement jointly signed by Coordinator and Secretary Generals, Marxist Kola Edokpayi and Comrade Aghatise Raphael, respectively alleged that the police officer threatened to fabricate criminal allegations against the activist and later falsely labelled him a cultist, an accusation the group described as baseless and dangerous.
It further claimed that following a directive from the Commissioner of Police for a review of one of the petitions, the DPO allegedly attempted to use the Anti-Cultism Unit of the Nigeria Police in Benin City to effect Oziegbe’s arrest.
However, the coalition said the anti-cultism unit declined to act on the request after determining that the allegations against Oziegbe lacked factual basis and evidentiary support.
“The Anti-Cultism Unit, acting with commendable professional integrity, refused to comply after establishing that the claims were entirely unfounded,” the statement said.
The coalition described Oziegbe as a committed human rights defender and critic of police extortion and systemic injustice, arguing that his alleged persecution was a direct consequence of his activism.
“Comrade General Henry Oziegbe is not a criminal. He is a conscientious dissenter and defender of the oppressed,” the group stated, adding that the actions attributed to the DPO amounted to a violation of constitutional rights.
Citing Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the coalition noted that arbitrary arrest and detention are prohibited under Nigerian law, warning that any attempt to unlawfully detain the activist would be unconstitutional.
The group also warned that any harm, arrest, or enforced disappearance involving Oziegbe would be held against CSP Agbon and any officers who allegedly aid or enable such actions.
Consequently, the coalition called for the immediate intervention of the Inspector-General of Police, the Police Service Commission, the National Human Rights Commission, and other relevant oversight bodies to investigate the allegations and prevent what it described as a slide into impunity.
“We will not capitulate. We will not be intimidated. An injury to one remains an injury to all,” the coalition said, insisting that justice must prevail.