Unlawful Imprisonment in Nigeria: A Disturbing Trend

Unlawful Imprisonment in Nigeria: A Disturbing Trend

A recent case has shed light on the alarming issue of unlawful imprisonment in Nigeria. Pastor Abraham Daniel, a former pastor at Dunamis International Gospel Centre, was remanded in custody alongside two others, Mr. Enenche Enenche and Alexander Enenche, at the Keffi Prison in Nasarawa State. The court’s decision was made despite the fact that they have not been found guilty of any crime.

According to sources, Pastor Daniel’s prosecution stems from his resignation from the church, which was met with opposition from Pastor Paul Enenche, the senior pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Church. The situation escalated, with Pastor Daniel receiving threats and eventually being arrested by police officers who claimed to be acting on Pastor Enenche’s behalf.

The circumstances surrounding Pastor Daniel’s arrest and detention raise serious concerns about the abuse of power and the violation of human rights in Nigeria. The use of police power to settle personal scores and the unlawful imprisonment of individuals without trial are disturbing trends that must be addressed.

The Issue of Remand and Bail in Nigeria

The Nigerian criminal justice system has been criticized for its handling of remand and bail. The law allows for the remand of suspects in custody pending trial, but this has often led to prolonged detention without trial. The Supreme Court has ruled that section 236 of the Criminal Procedure Act, which governs remand, is not unconstitutional, but the implementation of this law has raised concerns about the protection of human rights.

The case of Pastor Daniel highlights the need for reform in the Nigerian criminal justice system. The government must take steps to ensure that the rights of individuals are protected and that the rule of law is upheld. This includes ensuring that suspects are not detained without trial and that the police do not abuse their power to settle personal scores.