Rights Group Seeks Federal Govt’s Intervention On Land Dispute

The Initiative Against Human Rights Abuse and Torture (INAHURAT) has urged the federal government to intervene in a land dispute between two Abuja-based residents, Rebecca Omokamo Godwin-Isaac, and Hajia Bilikisu Ishaqu Aliyu, alleging irregularities in the investigation and prosecution of the matter.

The group made the call at a press briefing yesterday in Abuja, during which its representative, Dr Maxwell Chibuike Opara, urged the attorney-general of the federation to initiate an independent investigation into the case.

Opara alleged that attempts had been made to influence the investigation and prosecution process, warning that such actions could undermine public confidence in the administration of justice and weaken institutional accountability.

According to him, one of the major concerns relates to an alleged breach of court-imposed travel restrictions.

He claimed that the defendant had surrendered her international passport as part of bail conditions granted by the Federal High Court in Abuja, but was subsequently issued another passport, which was allegedly used in violation of the court’s restrictions.

Opara said the allegation, if proven, would raise serious concerns about compliance with judicial orders and the effectiveness of immigration and border control systems.

He urged the Minister of Interior and the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service to conduct a forensic audit of passport issuance records to determine whether due process was followed.

The group also expressed concern over the alleged treatment of some officials involved in the investigation and prosecution of the case.

According to Opara, certain investigators, prosecutors, and public officials connected to the matter may have faced administrative actions that could have discouraged efforts to ensure accountability.

He further questioned what he described as the leakage of confidential disciplinary information involving anti-corruption agencies, calling for a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding such disclosures.

INAHURAT announced plans to submit a formal petition to the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Minister of Interior and the Comptroller-General of Immigration, seeking federal intervention and an independent review of the issues raised.

The organisation said the petition would request appropriate legal and administrative measures, where necessary, and urge authorities to investigate alleged irregularities in the issuance of travel documents.

It also called for adequate protection for judicial officers and public officials carrying out lawful duties, stressing the need to safeguard the integrity of the justice system.

Opara maintained that the organisation would continue to pursue lawful and institutional channels to promote transparency, accountability and public confidence in the administration of justice.