The Initiative Against Human Rights Abuse & Torture (INAHURAT), has called for the Nigerian Police Force to step aside immediately from a high-profile fraud case involving disputed properties in the Katampe and Guzape districts of Abuja.

The alleged victim, 79-year-old Mrs. Collen Mero Yesufu, claims that her properties were fraudulently sold through forgery, theft, and criminal trespass.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) conducted an investigation into the matter, resulting in a court order to forfeit the properties back to Yesufu. However, the Nigerian Police are accused of obstructing justice and shielding the suspects involved in the fraudulent activities.

This demand was made during a press briefing held in Abuja on Wednesday, where Chief Maxwell Opara, Executive Director of INAHURAT, addressed the media regarding the group’s concerns over police interference.

He explained how the police’s actions have delayed the pursuit of justice for Mrs. Yesufu.

The group highlighted the importance of an independent inquiry into the police’s role in this case and praised the EFCC for its professionalism in handling the investigation.

Opara stated: “We express our deep concern over how the police hierarchy has shielded the suspects from proper investigation, thereby allowing Mrs. Collen Mero Yesufu, a 79-year-old grandmother, to suffer injustice. We are calling on His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to order a full-scale, independent investigation into this case, including the role played by the Nigerian Police Force in attempting to derail justice. We demand that the police immediately hands off this matter and allow the EFCC to continue with its legally sanctioned investigation and forfeiture process.

We stand firm in our commitment to exposing human rights abuses and fighting for justice, and we will not relent until this matter is properly addressed.”