AfriPulse
The Society for Human Rights Advocacy and Development (SOHAD), an umbrella platform of civil society organisations and pro-democracy groups in Abia State, has condemned the alleged bail of administration granted to suspected criminals and hoodlums who recently caused mayhem and civil disorder in Okon Aku and Okagbue communities in Ohafia Local Government Area of the state, by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).
The group after its meeting, held on May 18, 2026, at Freedom Hall, Aba, to appraise the recent role and position of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Abia State Command, in the recent kingship tussle and community clash in communities located across the Ohafia Local Area of Abia State, which is home to the 14 Brigade Headquarters of the Nigerian Army, appealed to the State Commissioner of Police to investigate the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to unravel the reason behind the bail.
This is as SOHAD commended the recent valiant actions by troops of the Nigerian Army under the 14 Brigade, which recorded key operational breakthroughs, following a series of intelligence-driven operations that targeted suspected criminals and hoodlums that have recently caused mayhem and civil disorder in Okon Aku and Okagbue communities in Ohafia Local Government Area.
This followed the successful arrest of key suspects, recovery of illegal firearms and subsequent handover of suspects with letters to the Nigeria Police Force, Abia State Command for onwards investigations and prosecution.
SOHAD however, decried the alleged administrative bail granted to the suspects, by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), noting that the suspects do not qualify for police administrative bail.
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They argued that the Police Act 2020’ empowers the police to grant bail for minor or civil bailable offences, but noted that capital offences involving possession of illegal firearms are tied to violent crimes, such as robbery and kidnapping that carry severe penalties under the ‘Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act’, do not qualify for police administrative bail, as such can typically only be evaluated and granted by a competent court of jurisdiction.
The group therefore, condemned the recent decisions by police officers attached to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) granting administrative bail to suspected criminals on complex offences, such as ‘possession of illegal firearms.’
SOHAD in a statement jointly signed, by
Cassius Ukwugbe, its executive coordinator and Orji Onyedikachi, general secretary, said that these inappropriate actions and decisions by the police officers constitute illegality and unlawful procedure,
“It puts at-risk public safety as these criminals are being reabsorbed back into society, as well as undermines the genuine intention and efforts of the Nigerian military in seeking lasting peace and order in Ohafia and Abia State at large.”
SOHAD called on the Commissioner of Police, Abia State, to carry out an urgent and comprehensive review of recent criminal-related and illegal firearms possession matters handed over by the 14th Brigade of the Nigerian military and investigate the roles of the police officers in such misconduct, who compromised the integrity of the police and prosecute as supported by law.
SOHAD also demanded that all crime suspects arrested earlier by the Nigerian military be taken back into custody and prosecuted accordingly.
“As we at SOHAD hold firm to these demands and expect justice, we unequivocally condemn the recent atmosphere of chaos and insecurity across the Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State.”
SOHAD reaffirmed its strong stance on the promotion of peace and justice and urged Abia citizens to desist from all forms of civil disorder and violence-related activities that might disrupt the socio-economic activities of the Ohafia people in particular and Abia State in general.
Source: Businessday.ng | Read the Full Story…
