The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has expressed concern over the arrest of Mr. Eme Friday, who has reportedly been held incommunicado by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU) of the Enugu State Police Command for more than one month.

In a petition to the Commissioner of Police (CP), Enugu State, Mamman Giwa, RULAAC alleged that Friday was being held under circumstances that constitute a gross violation of his fundamental rights.

RULAAC’s petition dated July 29 and signed by the Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, stated that Friday was arrested at his residence between 8.00pm and 9.00pm on June 26, 2025, by a group of men who informed his wife that he was being taken to Enugu.

The statement reads: “Contrary to that statement, he was initially sighted at Area B Police Command, Apapa, Lagos, in handcuffs. However, no explanation for his arrest was given to his wife. He was later moved out of the Lagos station, and his whereabouts concealed for several days. Following extensive inquiries, the family was informed that the AKU, Enugu, was responsible for the arrest.”

According to Nwanguma, the unit initially denied having him in custody, and only after a covert phone call made by Friday on July 2, 2025, was his location confirmed.

He added: “On July 3, 2025, after sustained pressure, the AKU finally acknowledged detaining him – without documentation, charge or explanation, days after the actual arrest.

Despite multiple visits by family and legal representatives, Friday has not been informed of the reason for his arrest, has not been granted access to legal counsel, has not been allowed any communication with his family since July 2, and has not been formally charged or arraigned.”

As of July 29, 2025, the statement noted, Friday was still in secret, unlawful detention. The group stated that the case of Friday revealed multiple and serious breaches of his constitutionally protected rights under the 1999 Constitution.

It added that the mode of Friday’s arrest and prolonged detention without charge, access to legal counsel, or court appearance amounts to “enforced disappearance, illegal detention, and flagrant abuse of police power.”

RULAAC, therefore, demanded the immediate disclosure of the reason for his arrest and detention, unconditional access to his family, release or formal arraignment before a competent court of law and investigation and disciplinary action against officers involved in the arrest. (The Guardian, but headline rejigged)