ADC Caucus Urges IGP to Investigate Kebbi Arrests, Cites Political Motive
Lawmakers from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have asked the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to look into how some members of the party were arrested and held in Kebbi State. The National Assembly Caucus of the ADC, in a statement to journalists, described the detentions as illegal and suggested they were tied to the political leanings of those involved.
Senator Garba Maidoki, who represents Kebbi South Senatorial District, spoke for the caucus. He said the rights of the detained party members had been trampled upon. According to him, the caucus plans to file a formal petition with the Police Service Commission (PSC) and the Inspector-General of Police against the officers implicated, hoping this will stop similar situations from happening again.
"We therefore appeal to the Inspector-General to examine the cases presented to his office and take whatever action is appropriate within its powers," Mr Maidoki said.
The senator added that the caucus would also flag the matter to Amnesty International, citing what he called claims of police powers being used excessively or arbitrarily against opposition backers. "We will also bring the relevant cases to the attention of Amnesty International, particularly with respect to allegations of excessive or arbitrary use of police powers against political opponents and supporters of the opposition," he stated.
Mr Maidoki further noted that when citizens are detained or face criminal charges in ways that hint at their political activities playing a role, such claims raise valid human rights and democratic issues. "Where citizens are detained or subjected to criminal proceedings in circumstances suggesting that their political activities may have influenced the actions taken against them, such allegations raise legitimate human rights and democratic concerns," he said.
He also called on the judiciary to handle the cases of the party members strictly according to the law. "We wish to make a respectful but strong appeal to the Judiciary to exercise the highest degree of circumspection, scrutiny, independence and fidelity to the law whenever orders affecting the liberty of citizens are sought," Mr Maidoki said. "We trust that the Judiciary will continue to serve as an independent safeguard for the rights of every citizen, irrespective of political affiliation."
The arrests come as the ADC steps up its political operations in Kebbi ahead of the 2027 general elections. In August, former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami inaugurated a 600-member campaign council for the party in the state, with Mr Maidoki among its senatorial candidates.
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