Plateau Lawyers Bar Forum (PLBF) has strongly criticized the Nigeria Police Force, FCT Command, for releasing graphic images of the late David Shikfu Parradang, former Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), before conducting a thorough investigation.
The Forum described the act as a violation of human dignity and an infringement on the family’s right to privacy.
Speaking at a press briefing on Saturday at the NUJ Press Centre in Jos, the Forum condemned the police for what it called an “insensitive and unwarranted” release of the images.
In a statement delivered by its Chairman, Ledak Dazuk Dafer, and jointly signed by Secretary Niri Isaac Darong, the Forum stated:
“The Plateau Lawyers Bar Forum finds the release of these disturbing images highly inappropriate. It is a clear violation of the deceased’s dignity and an unjust intrusion on the family’s privacy. The police had no justification for making such images public.”
The Forum also questioned the police’s swift conclusions regarding Parradang’s death, arguing that it raised serious concerns about the integrity of the investigation.
“The haste with which the police made conclusions in their statement is troubling. When an institution charged with upholding justice rushes into conclusions, it sets a dangerous precedent,” the statement added.
Furthermore, the lawyers expressed disappointment with the silence of the NIS, arguing that the agency should have defended the dignity of its former leader.
“We expect the NIS to honor its past leaders with the same seriousness the Armed Forces accord their personnel. Mr. Parradang was not just another retired officer; he was a distinguished public servant who served Nigeria with integrity. Their silence on this matter is unfortunate and unacceptable.”
The Forum also criticized the language used in the police statement, describing it as explicit and definitive. It argued that the focus on a female guest in the police report suggested a presumption of guilt, violating the principle of “innocent until proven guilty.”
“The Nigeria Police Force must understand that every citizen is entitled to due process. The mention of an arrest without conclusive evidence creates a perception of bias and undermines the fundamental rights of individuals involved in the investigation,” the Forum stated.
Calling for accountability, the Forum urged the Inspector-General of Police to set up an independent investigation into Parradang’s death to ensure due process. It also called on the Police Service Commission and the National Human Rights Commission to take disciplinary action against officers responsible for breaching professional and ethical standards.
“The Nigeria Police Force must retract these images and offer a formal apology to Mr. Parradang’s family. Furthermore, clear guidelines must be established to prevent the public release of sensitive images and information in future cases.
“We will not relent in ensuring that this matter is handled with the dignity and professionalism it deserves. The Plateau Lawyers Bar Forum is closely monitoring developments and expects full accountability from all institutions involved,” the Forum emphasized.
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