A civil society organisation in Oyo State has urged the Federal Government and security agencies to prevent individuals or private groups from operating as parallel law enforcement institutions, warning that such activities could worsen insecurity across the country.
The Vocalpoint Human Rights Initiative (VOHRI) made the call during a press conference in Ibadan on Wednesday, following allegations that a private security network linked to Yoruba Nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, obstructed a police operation in the state.
According to the group, operatives of the Iru-Ekun Security Network allegedly prevented police officers from carrying out an arrest involving a suspect identified as Taa’ni Olohun.
VOHRI’s Public Relations Officer, Oladimeji Adelakin, said allowing non-state actors to interfere with the duties of legally authorised security agencies could undermine the rule of law and weaken the authority of government institutions.
The group called on President Bola Tinubu, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force to take steps to ensure that private individuals or groups do not assume powers reserved for legally constituted security agencies.
VOHRI stressed that citizens have the right to raise concerns about security in their communities but argued that investigations, arrests and prosecutions should be handled through established legal institutions.
The organisation also called for an investigation into the reported incident, saying authorities should establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged obstruction and take appropriate action where wrongdoing is confirmed.
The group further warned that allowing unofficial security structures to operate without clear legal oversight could encourage similar developments elsewhere and create additional challenges for Nigeria’s already complex security situation.
The allegations concerning the incident and the activities of the security network remain matters for the relevant authorities to investigate and establish.
