Edith CHUKU
The Rivers State Police command has described as lawful, the detention of one Mr Clement Johnson for a period of ten days without charge, following his alleged involvement in a case of stolen goods worth 43 million naira.
The Police gave this clarification in response to an online newspaper publication, where the police was condemned over the detention.
In a statement on Monday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, the command insisted that Johnson’s detention falls within the statutory limit and is in full compliance with the provisions of the law.
According to the statement, “the attention of the command has been drawn to a publication by an online newspaper based in Abuja regarding the detention of one Mr. Clement Johnson for a period of ten (10) days who was involved in a case of stealing of goods valued 43, million naira.
“The command wishes to state unequivocally that the detention in question is lawful, as it was effected pursuant to a valid court order. By virtue of Section 296 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
“The detention of Mr. Johnson clearly falls within the statutory limit and is in full compliance with the provisions of the law.
“Notwithstanding the foregoing, in keeping with the command’s commitment to transparency, accountability and the rule of law, the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, has ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the matter and release of the suspect or be charged to court without further delay, while investigation continues to ensure diligent prosecution of the case in accordance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).”
