NBA Demands Justice for Joseph Zolo’s Death in Custody
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yenagoa Branch, has formally petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, over the death of Joseph Zolo, a suspect who died in the custody of the Puff Adder Unit of the Bayelsa State Police Command. The petition, signed by NBA Chairman Somina Johnbull and Chairman of the Human Rights Committee, Lugard Tare-Otu, highlights a pattern of human rights violations and abuse by officers at the Puff Adder Unit, which the NBA demands be urgently addressed.
The petition details that Joseph Zolo, along with two others, was arrested by the Safer Highways Unit on January 8, 2025, for alleged possession of marijuana. Zolo was transferred to the Puff Adder Unit and unlawfully detained without charge or trial until his death on January 12, 2025. The NBA claims that Zolo’s death was the result of torture, which aggravated his pre-existing health conditions.
The situation escalated when, on January 13, 2025, a delegation consisting of the youth council leader of the Biogbolo Community, two relatives of the deceased, and their lawyer, Bodiswowei Oyomowie, visited the Puff Adder Division to seek answers regarding Zolo’s death. Instead of receiving answers, they were met with hostility. The officers reportedly seized their phones, locked the gates, and forced them to sit on the floor. Additionally, CSP Christian Nwaogbo and his officers fired sporadically into the air, creating a dangerous and traumatic environment.
The NBA’s petition underscores the need for immediate intervention to prevent further human rights violations and ensure justice for the deceased, as well as the protection of citizens’ rights in Bayelsa State.
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The NBA’s petition to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) details how Mr. Fred Bodiswowei Oyomowie, the family of the deceased Joseph Zolo, and other individuals present at the Puff Adder Division on January 13, 2025, were subjected to verbal threats, psychological harassment, and intimidation. These actions caused severe trauma and a genuine fear for their safety.
The petition highlights that these individuals were only released after intervention from the Bayelsa State Government. Adding to the grievances, it was later discovered that the body of the deceased, Joseph Zolo, was unilaterally deposited in a mortuary by CSP Christian Nwaogbo and his officers, without any consultation with the family or adherence to proper legal procedures.
The NBA expressed deep concern over the growing pattern of human rights violations at the Puff Adder Unit, which has become notorious for such actions. The petition emphasises that such conduct tarnishes the reputation of the Bayelsa State Police Command and represents a clear abuse of authority and breach of citizens’ rights.
The NBA leadership has called on the Commissioner of Police (CP) to launch an immediate and thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Joseph Zolo’s death in police custody and the actions of CSP Nwaogbo and the officers involved. They specifically requested an inquiry into the harassment, intimidation, and threats directed at Mr. Oyomowie and the deceased’s family on January 13, 2025. Furthermore, the NBA demanded that should the investigation find the officers culpable, appropriate disciplinary measures be taken.
Additionally, the NBA urged police authorities to take decisive steps to restore public confidence by addressing the culture of impunity and abuse within the Puff Adder Unit. In its petition, the NBA reiterated its commitment to the protection of human rights and its readiness to assist in ensuring justice is served in this case.
Content Credit| Agbetan Bisola
Picture Credit | https://www.instagram.com/phmlive/
