Senate delves into police arrest, detention of activist Adeyanju

The Senate has ordered an immediate probe into the arrest and detention of the convener of Concerned Nigerians, Deji Adeyanju who has spent days in incarceration.

Senator Dino Melaye who shares the same senatorial district with Adeyanju (Kogi West) on Tuesday, raised an observation on the floor of the Senate saying the act by the police was unacceptable.

The Senate thereafter ordered its joint committee on Police and judiciary to investigate the matter.

He argued that Adeyanju was only exercising his constitutional rights while he called on the Senate not to accept the complacency on the part of the police.

Read also: Police detain activist Adeyanju over homicide case he was “discharged and acquitted” 4 yrs ago

He said, “Deji Adeyanju is a pro-democracy activist. He has been arrested twice by the Nigerian police for organising protests in the defence of democracy.

“This activist was arrested again by the Police, for a matter that took place 18 years ago. The judgement has been given. Deji Adeyanju and two others have been discharged and acquitted by the court.

“Mr. President, we are in a democracy. Our Constitution has given us the freedom of association, freedom of expression and freedom of the press.

“This is not acceptable to me; it should not be accepted by the Senate. It is time for the Senate to stand up and speak up in defence of Deji Adeyanju. We need to defend Deji Adeyanju, as we need to defend every Nigerian.”

Melaye enjoyed the support of Senator Emmanuel Paulker, representing Bayelsa Central.

In his reaction, the Senate President, Bukola Saraki ordered the joint committee to report their findings to the Senate in two weeks.

Adeyanju was arrested by the police after he led a rally against the role played by the police in the political crisis that rocked Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly in November.

By Babatunde Alao….

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