Police officers have been accused of brutalizing and detaining human rights activist, Prince Gwanishu Emefiele Harrison, for causing one of them to get transferred to a different station.
Prince Harrison, the Director General of Behind Bars Initiative, an advocacy group, was reportedly on his way back after he and other members of the BBI went for their annual public lecture in Asaba. But he didn’t make it to his destination as he and his group members were stopped by some police officers allegedly led by the DPO CSP Eyoh from the C Division, Head Bridge, Asaba, Delta State.
According to reports by members of BBI, CSP Eyoh, upon sighting Prince Harrison, accused him facilitating his transfer when he was serving at Warri to Asaba over issues that boarded on human rights violation and extra human rights activities.
Prince Harrison reportedly protested over the DPO’s onslaught and the police officers present allegedly descended on him and his companions. The vehicle they were travelling in was seized and over 7 members of BBI were allegedly thrown into a cell where they are reportedly being brutalized.
According to a BBI member, the DPO at the station was the same officer allegedly involved in the torture and death of The DPO was transferred to Asaba over the incident after Prince Harrison took up the case. And the officer is now trying to avenge his transfer.
Though BBI members claim Prince Harrison was a victim of persecution, the state Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Mustapha, said he assaulted the Divisional Police Officer, C Division, CSP Eyoh Anietie.
Members of BBI are now calling for the release of Prince Harrison, other members of BBI who were illegally detained with him, and also other members detained in the past, including the lawyer detained last week when he went to represent his client.
See the list of demands made by BBI members to the Commissioner of Police below.
