The Nigerian Senate has waded into the issue of a human rights activist Deji Adeyanju, who was recently arrested in Abuja by the police while leading a protest tagged “Police Are Not Politicians, Save Our Democracy”.

The protest was to demand the neutrality of the police in the forthcoming general election.

The upper chamber directed its committee to look into the case with a view to doing justice to the matter.

This followed a point of order raised by lawmaker representing Kogi West, Senator Dino Melaye, who stated that Deji Adeyanju, is one of his constituents who has been severally harassed by the police.

He said during plenary on Tuesday: “Deji Adeyanju is a pro-democracy activist. He has been arrested twice by the Nigerian Police for organising protests in the defense of democracy.

“This activist was arrested again by the police for a matter that took place 18 years ago. The judgement has been given. Deji Adeyanju and two others have been discharged and acquitted by the court.”

Melaye called on the Senate to look into the matter to free the victim. His words: “Mr. President, we are in a democracy. Our Constitution has given us the freedom of association, freedom of expression and freedom of the press.

“This is not acceptable to me; it should not be accepted by the Senate. It is time for the Senate to stand up and speak up in defense of Deji Adeyanju. We need to defend him as we need to defend every Nigerian too.

“The Senate should constitute a committee to look into this. A matter like this should not be awoken from the grave. This is about our basic fundamental human rights.”

Reacting to the development, Senate President Bukola Saraki referred the Point of Order to the Joint Committee on Police and Judiciary to investigate and report back to the Senate in one week.

Saraki said: “This young man has been arrested and rearrested. This is a country that is seen as a leader in the continent. The committee should look into this.”

Earlier, Police spokesperson, Jimoh Moshood, said in a statement that Mr. Adeyanju, Daniel Abobama and Boma Williams were arrested in Abuja on allegations of criminal defamation and breach of public peace.

Police said even though they have rights as citizens, “these rights must be observed with decorum, in good faith and without violating the rights of other millions of Nigerians to free movement and access to safety and security across the country.”

The police accused Adeyanju, Abobama and Williams of contravening criminal statutes by their conduct both physically and online.

Moshood said: “Deji Adeyanju, Daniel Abobama and Boma Williams were arrested by the Police within the powers provided under the constitution, Police Act and Regulations, the Penal Code Law and Procedures to prevent crime and ensure safety of Nigerians.”