The Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS) has formally submitted a petition to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), calling for the urgent transfer of the Crack Squad Zone 9 Police case file investigated by CSP Lalla Bitrus in Charge No: U/14C/2023 to the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) for necessary action.
This request follows repeated delays in transferring the case file, despite formal requests from the AGF and the Defendant, Mr. Chukwunenye Nweke. CEHRAWS underscores that the refusal to comply with this directive contravenes Section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees the right to a fair and timely trial.
The case, which originated at the Magistrate Court, Umuahia, evolved into Charge No: FHC/UM/CR/92/2023 at the Federal High Court following the intervention of the Abia State Attorney General. However, despite legal and judicial precedence affirming the AGF’s authority to take over criminal prosecutions, the Police have continued to withhold the case file.
CEHRAWS notes with concern that previous attempts to engage the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Zone 9 and the prosecuting Police lawyer were met with outright refusal to acknowledge or respond to correspondence, further delaying justice. This situation erodes public trust in the justice system and undermines prosecutorial obligations under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.
CEHRAWS Demands:
1. The immediate transfer of the Crack Squad Zone 9 Police case file to the AGF as required by law.
2. Strict compliance with constitutional and legal provisions to prevent further obstruction of justice.
Failure to act swiftly will compel CEHRAWS and its civil society partners to escalate this matter through all lawful means available. The organization remains committed to upholding justice, transparency, and the rule of law.
For further inquiries, please contact:
Okoye Chuka Peter
Executive Director,
Tel: 08080351242 (WhatsApp)
Email: cehraws@gmail.com
