Pelumi Olajengbesi Petitions IGP Tunji Disu on Osun State Violence

An Abuja-based lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, has formally petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, urging immediate intervention to curb escalating political violence in Osun State, Nigeria. The petition highlights a disturbing trend of politically motivated attacks, including the tragic killing of 14-year-old Ezekiel Olapade in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area. This development underscores the critical role of the Nigeria Police Force in upholding public order and protecting fundamental human rights, particularly the right to life, as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution. The lawyer's appeal seeks comprehensive investigations, prosecution of perpetrators, and enhanced security deployment to ensure a peaceful environment ahead of the forthcoming governorship election, addressing concerns over public safety and democratic integrity.

The political landscape in Osun State, Nigeria, is currently fraught with escalating violence, prompting a significant legal intervention. Abuja-based lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, has formally petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, calling for urgent action to address the pervasive politically motivated attacks plaguing the state. The petition specifically cites the tragic killing of 14-year-old Ezekiel Olapade in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area, as a stark example of the deteriorating security situation. [6, 34]

This petition is not merely a call for justice in an isolated incident but a broader demand for the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to fulfill its constitutional mandate of protecting lives and property and maintaining public order. The lawyer expressed profound concern that the unchecked violence poses a severe threat to public safety, democratic governance, and the credibility of the upcoming August 15 governorship election in Osun State. [6, 34] The escalating tensions necessitate a robust and impartial response from the nation's highest policing authority to prevent further loss of life and safeguard the democratic process.

The legal framework governing public order and security in Nigeria places significant responsibilities on the Nigeria Police Force and its leadership. The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) guarantees the fundamental right to life for every person under Section 33(1). [11, 19, 22, 25] Furthermore, Section 14(2)(b) unequivocally states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government, thereby imposing a constitutional duty on the state to protect its citizens. [11, 19, 29]

The powers and duties of the Inspector-General of Police are primarily derived from the Nigeria Police Act 2020, which repealed the earlier Police Act of 2004. Section 7(1) of the Police Act 2020 establishes the IGP as the head of the Nigeria Police Force, exercising full command and operational control over the entire force. [2, 7] This authority is reinforced by Section 215(2) of the 1999 Constitution, which places the NPF under the IGP's command. [2, 26] The Act further outlines the primary functions of the police, including the prevention and detection of crimes, apprehension of offenders, preservation of law and order, and the protection of life and property. [4, 7, 21] Crucially, the Police Act 2020 also emphasizes the duty of the police to uphold fundamental human rights. [4, 12, 17]

Acts of violence, particularly those resulting in death, fall under the purview of the Criminal Code Act, which applies to the Southern states of Nigeria, including Osun. [5, 24] Offences such as murder carry severe penalties. In the context of political activities, the Electoral Act 2022 also plays a vital role by prohibiting political thuggery and violence, aiming to ensure peaceful and credible elections. [13, 27, 30] These legal instruments collectively form the bedrock upon which the IGP is expected to act in addressing the reported political violence.

The petition to the Inspector-General of Police highlights a critical test of the NPF's capacity and commitment to impartial law enforcement, especially in a politically charged environment. The IGP, as the supreme authority of the NPF, is vested with extensive powers to direct nationwide policing strategies, allocate resources, and oversee tactical operations to maintain public order and combat crime. [2] This includes the authority to deploy tactical personnel and review security architecture, as specifically requested in the lawyer's petition. [34] The IGP's recent directive to end political killings and violence in Osun State, coupled with instructions for the arrest and prosecution of culprits, signifies an acknowledgment of the gravity of the situation and a step towards fulfilling this mandate. [10]

The tragic killing of 14-year-old Ezekiel Olapade serves as a poignant illustration of the human cost of unchecked political violence. [6, 34] Such incidents not only constitute grave criminal offenses under the Criminal Code Act but also represent a profound violation of the constitutional right to life. [5, 11, 25] The lawyer's concern about declining public confidence in law enforcement's ability to prevent violence and ensure accountability is particularly pertinent. [34] When incidents of violence go uninvestigated or unpunished, it fosters a culture of impunity, undermining the rule of law and public trust in democratic institutions. [34]

The Electoral Act 2022 explicitly prohibits political thuggery and violence, making such acts electoral offenses. [13, 27, 30] The ongoing violence in Osun, particularly ahead of the governorship election, directly contravenes the spirit and letter of this Act, threatening the integrity of the electoral process. The NPF's duty, as outlined in the Police Act 2020, to protect human rights and enforce laws impartially, is paramount in this context. [4, 12, 17] Any perceived partisanship or inaction by law enforcement agencies can exacerbate tensions and potentially lead to retaliatory violence, as warned by civil society groups. [8, 9]

While the IGP's order for intervention is a positive step, its effectiveness will depend on rigorous investigation, swift apprehension, and impartial prosecution of all those responsible, irrespective of their political affiliations. The challenge lies in translating directives into tangible outcomes on the ground, ensuring that police officers at all levels act professionally and without bias. The historical context of police brutality and political interference in Nigeria underscores the need for robust external oversight and accountability mechanisms to rebuild public confidence and ensure justice. [33]

The petition to the Inspector-General of Police regarding escalating political violence in Osun State underscores the urgent need for decisive and impartial law enforcement action. The constitutional imperative to protect the lives and welfare of citizens, coupled with the specific duties of the Nigeria Police Force under the Police Act 2020 and the Electoral Act 2022, places a heavy burden on the IGP to restore order and ensure justice. The tragic death of Ezekiel Olapade serves as a stark reminder of the human cost when political rivalries devolve into lawlessness.

Practitioners should closely monitor the IGP's response and the subsequent actions of the NPF in Osun State. The effectiveness of the intervention will set a precedent for how politically motivated violence is addressed in future electoral cycles. It is imperative that all reported incidents are thoroughly investigated, perpetrators are brought to justice without fear or favour, and adequate security measures are implemented to guarantee a peaceful and credible election. Sustained advocacy from legal professionals and civil society remains crucial to holding state actors accountable and safeguarding democratic principles in Nigeria.