News
How Ajimobi, Oyo police violated victims’ rights to life in market clash – VOHRI
A human rights group, Veteran Organization for Human Rights Initiative (VOHRI) has declared that the Oyo State Government and the state Police command violated rights to life of victims of Thursday’s clash which occurred between butchers and policemen.
The mayhem which occurred Thursday morning, DAILY POST recalls led to the killing of about six persons.
But, VOHRI lead activist, Comrade Sakirullahi Ayobami and General Secretary, Comrade Adekunle Abimbola, while addressing a press conference at the weekend in Ibadan, explained that the state government under the leadership of Governor Abiola Ajimobi has violated section 33 of the Nigerian constitution which guarantees the freedom to right to live of the people who died on Thursday.
They added that the police on the other hand, also acted contrary to its own act, Police Act section 1, which states that the primary role of the police is to protect lives and property of the people.
The duo while condemning the mayhem added that the state government has tampered with the fundamental human right of those who lost their lives, noting that the police instead of protecting the people went ahead to harass, intimidate and in the process about six people lost their lives, an offence VOHRI said was against the Police Act.
The group further alleged that the state government and the police have also committed contempt of court by going to the market on Thursday, because three court cases are still pending on the relocation of butchers in Ibadan.
The duo while issuing a 3-day ultimatum which starts from today (Monday) to the state government to reopen the Bodija abattoir and allow the courts to decide, however, declared that failure to heed to the advice of the organisation will lead to a 1 million man mass protest in Ibadan, the state capital.
While commensurating with those who have been affected by the crisis, VOHRI said it will compel the state government and the police to pay due compensations to those who were affected by the crisis through the courts.
They said, “Are we still in military regime? We want the government to explain to us who owns the Amosun abattoir. We condemn the action of the government and the police totally. And we have began the processes, we are going to file fundamental actions against the government and the police for the killing of the innocent people.
“Killing of innocent people is unconstitutional, demolition of the abattoir is unconstitutional. Is Ajimobi saying he is above the law? There are three cases, one at the magistrate court and two at the High Court. The case at the magistrate court has been adjourned till July 16, the two cases at the High Court are adjourned till October 24 and 25, so why did they go to the market to kill people? Are they saying they are above the law?
“The state government by sending the police and in the process some people were killed has committed offence against section 33 of the Nigerian Constitution. Right to life of the people has been violated. Are they now saying that those people don’t have right to life as stated in section 33? Did they see them with arms?
“The police whose salaries are being paid with our taxes, they are now using guns to kill people. We are going to sue the State government and the police. We are going to file fundamental actions against the state government and the police. The people have lost over N500m and they are going to pay for it. The police act, Section 1 states that, the primary function of the police is protection of lives and property of the people. We are filling fundamental actions against Oyo state government and the police over the Bodija killings.
“We are now issuing a 3-day ultimatum to Oyo state government to reopen the closed abattoir at Bodija market and let the courts decide. The ultimatum starts from Monday. Failure to do that, we are mobilising 1 million people in a mass protest in Ibadan. ”
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.
The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.
He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.
The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.
Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.
The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.
Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).
The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.
He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.
A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.
-
Politics2 days agoIbarapa East Assembly Hopeful, Ramon Congratulates Ajiboye, Says Emergence Good for Oyo APC
-
Politics6 days agoMakinde: My Successor Must Be Loyal to Oyo, Not Me
-
Politics2 days ago2027: Former Oyo Deputy Governor Adeyemo Emerges APC Chairman (See Full List)
-
Politics6 days agoFintiri Dumps PDP for APC, Moves with Cabinet, 14 Adamawa Lawmakers