Ejigbo Pepper Torture: Police IG Takes Over Case

Following public outcry over the torture of two women in Ejigbo, Lagos, by some suspected members of the Odua Peoples’ Congress, OPC, in February 2013, which became known to the public some months ago, the Inspector General of Police, MD Abubakar, “has ordered an immediate takeover of the case, suspect(s) and all exhibits related to the matter from the Lagos State Police Command by a crack team of detectives from the Federal SARS, (Lagos Annex), Force Criminal Investigation Department.”

The suspected hoodlums had beaten and poured pepper into the private parts of their victims. One of the women died few weeks ago duo to the torture she received during the incident.

In a statement issued by the police spokesman, Frank Mba, it was disclosed that the decision to involve the crack detective from Abuja was to ensure the “speedy delivery of justice, promoting the rule of law, discouraging impunity and defending the fundamental human rights of Nigerians, particularly the alleged victims of the Ejigbo pepper torture.”

The police boss assured all “Nigerians especially the family of the victims and other relevant stakeholders that the Police will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that justice is done in the Ejigbo case.”

Abubakar stressed that the Force will continue to “protect the confidentiality of all informants and whistleblowers at all times.”

He “commended the media, members of the human rights community led by Joe Okei-Odumakin of Women Arise for Change and all members of the public whose patriotism, advocacy and concern led to the exposure of this atrocious crime,” adding that “their constructive partnership with the Police has had a salutary effect on the ongoing investigation so far.”