Imo State Nigerian Bar Association branches have called for the suspension of the Police Area Commander, Owerri Municipality, ACP David Ogenyi.

The call for ACP Ogenyi’s suspension was based on the alleged assault, humiliation, torture and unlawful detention of Chigozie Chinaka Esq, a member of Imo NBA.

The Bar also condemned the dehumanizing treatment meted on Mr. Chinaka in the course of providing legal services to his client, Wisdom Maduka who was arrested and detained by the order of ACP David Ogenyi since 5th June, 2023.

Addressing a press conference in Owerri, Chairman, NBA Owerri Branch, D.U Alinnor Esq noted that preliminary investigation conducted by the Bar over the grave allegations levied against ACP David Ogenyi and the concerned officers under his command and control revealed that they have a case to answer.

“The said preliminary investigation further reveals that ACP David Ogenyi has been in the habit of abusing his office and powers. He insults and molests lawyers that visit Area Command, Owerri Municipality, either for their personal matters or on behalf of their clients.

“The members of the Bar are embittered by this level of inhuman treatment and condemns in the strongest terms, the actions of ACP David Ogenyi in this regard and by extension the brutality of the Police against lawyers who go about their lawful and professional duties on daily basis. The police has a binding duty and a constitutional one to protect the lives and properties of citizens rather than treat them with disdain. The actions meted out on our colleague by ACP David Ogenyi and his cohorts are unbelievably dehumanizing and ought to be questioned by the top hierarchy of the Police and the government.”

Alinnor Esq. who was flanked by Orlu Branch NBA Chairman – Benneth Amukamara Esq and Mbano/Etiti Branch Chairman, Chief Ndubuisi Uhuegbu, called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun to prevail in the SOS complaint and accordingly, suspend ACP David Ogenyi and the concerned Officers to guarantee a thorough and unbiased investigation of the grave allegations levied against him and other officers, stressing that Ogenyi’s presence in office at the Police Area Command, Owerri would surely jeopardize investigation in the matter.

While reiterating the need to end police brutality, torture  and impediment of lawyers from the discharge of their professional duties, Alinnor equally urged heads of security agencies in the state to admonish their officers to always work harmoniously with lawyers in the administration of criminal justice system.

Earlier, Chigozie Chinaka Esq had narrated his ordeal in the hands of ACP David Ogenyi and his officers.

According to him, a relation of one Wisdom Mmaduka who was arrested and detained by the order of ACP David Ogenyi since 5th June 2023, consulted him to secure his brother’s release.

Chinaka said he visited the Police Area Command on September 25, 2023 but was not allowed to see the suspect and there was no court order in support of the suspect’s detention.

“While leaving the police station, my attention was drawn to a car belonging to my client parked in the police premises. I instructed my secretary to take photographs of the vehicle with the intention of using the pictures of the plate number to apply to court for the release of my client and his vehicle.

“I was arrested, my clothes torn into shreds, humiliated, assaulted, tortured and detained overnight by the order of ACP David Ogenyi for alleged offence of taking pictures of a vehicle parked at the Police station”, Chinaka lamented.

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