Urgent Presidential and Police Intervention Needed: Safeguarding Democracy and Human Rights Through the Release of Segun Olatunji From Alleged Military Custody -By John Egbeazien Oshodi

Amidst the intricate fabric of Nigeria’s political landscape, the reported involvement of the military in the detention of FirstNews editor Segun Olatunji has plunged the nation into a profound crisis, striking at the very core of democracy and human rights. As echoed by both international and local media outlets, Olatunji’s alleged custody by the military represents a stark departure from the foundational principles of civilian governance and constitutional order, compelling urgent and resolute action from all fronts.

The lingering silence enveloping Segun Olatunji’s disappearance, stretching over an agonizing 11-day period since his reported arrest on March 15, serves as a poignant testament to the erosion of democratic norms and the erosion of fundamental liberties. His reported abduction from his Lagos residence has cast a somber shadow over Nigeria’s longstanding commitment to upholding the rule of law, leaving his loved ones, colleagues, and citizens gripped by despair and apprehension regarding the trajectory of democracy in the nation.

Amidst this hour of crisis, the responsibility falls squarely upon President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Police Force to uphold the sacred principles of democracy and safeguard the rights of all citizens. As custodians of democratic values, they must exhibit unwavering dedication to justice, accountability, and the rule of law, transcending the constraints of political expediency to ensure the safe return of Segun Olatunji to his family and the reinstatement of democratic principles in Nigeria.

In this critical hour of crisis, the weighty responsibility falls upon President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Police Force to safeguard the essence of democracy and protect the rights of every citizen. As custodians of democratic values, they must exhibit an unwavering dedication to justice, accountability, and the rule of law, transcending the constraints of political expediency to ensure the safe return of Segun Olatunji to his family and the restoration of democratic principles.

The prolonged detention of Olatunji without due process or legal recourse strikes at the very heart of Nigeria’s democratic aspirations, posing a grave threat to the fabric of society. President Tinubu, as the standard-bearer of a civilian government, must recognize the urgency of the moment and act decisively to uphold the principles of democracy, liberty, and justice for all.

Amidst mounting national and international scrutiny, the urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. With each passing moment without resolution, the anguish of Olatunji’s family deepens, and Nigeria’s reputation on the global stage suffers a further blow. The world watches with bated breath, and the consequences of inaction loom ominously. Failure to address this crisis promptly risks tarnishing Nigeria’s standing in the international community and may strain diplomatic relations, particularly with democratic allies such as the United States.

Furthermore, it is imperative to underscore that Nigeria is not under military rule. In a democratic society, the military’s interference in civilian matters without proper legal authority is unacceptable and undermines the principles of democracy and the rule of law. President Tinubu and the police must assert the supremacy of civilian governance and ensure that military personnel strictly adhere to their constitutional roles.

President Tinubu, with his background as an American-trained pro-democracy advocate, and his Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, who also underwent training in America, represent a leadership deeply committed to democratic principles and human rights. In light of this, the immediate release of Segun Olatunji must be prioritized to signal to the world that Nigeria has moved beyond the dark days of military despotism.
Even if Olatunji is suspected of any offense warranting investigation, it is crucial to emphasize that the military does not possess the proper authority to arrest and prosecute civilians. This responsibility falls squarely within the domain of the police force. Therefore, Olatunji should be promptly transferred to police custody, where the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, should spearhead an investigation into this egregious abuse of power by the military, if shown that he was with the military.

This revelation has intensified calls for action, with demands directed towards President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure Olatunji’s prompt release or prosecution if any alleged offense has been committed. The prolonged detention of Olatunji without communication or legal recourse not only violates his fundamental rights but also undermines the rule of law, as enshrined in Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.

The constitution unequivocally stipulates that every accused person has the right to defend themselves in a court of law within a reasonable time, with detention beyond 48 hours without a valid court order deemed unconstitutional. As such, the continued deprivation of Olatunji’s liberty without due process constitutes a flagrant violation of his rights and casts a shadow over Nigeria’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and human rights.

The urgency of the situation surrounding Segun Olatunji is further compounded by reports detailing his underlying health conditions—asthma and stomach ulcers—which necessitate urgent medical attention. The lack of concrete information regarding his well-being only serves to deepen concerns regarding the erosion of human rights and the rule of law under military custody. The gravity of Olatunji’s situation is underscored by the haunting question: Is Segun Olatunji still alive? Such a question reverberates not only within Nigeria but also echoes across the global stage, demanding urgent attention and decisive action from those entrusted with upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of citizens.

The purported continued detention of Olatunji by the military, if indeed the case, without any form of communication or legal recourse, constitutes a flagrant violation of his fundamental rights and undermines the very foundation of Nigeria’s democracy. This stands in stark contradiction to the principles enshrined in the nation’s 1999 Constitution, which guarantees every accused person the right to due process and a fair trial. President Tinubu and the police must heed the call for justice and act decisively to restore faith in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

Under a civilian government, such actions by the military raise serious questions about the rule of law, press freedom, and the rights of citizens. It is incumbent upon President Tinubu and his administration to provide immediate and transparent explanations to Nigerians and the global community.

The presidency must urgently clarify the circumstances surrounding the reported military’s presence at Olatunji’s home and provide assurances that such incidents will not be tolerated in a democratic society. Nigerians deserve transparency regarding why military personnel, entrusted with protecting the nation’s borders and sovereignty, were involved in actions that violate the rights of a civilian citizen.

Failure to address these concerns promptly not only undermines public trust in the government but also risks eroding Nigeria’s standing as a democratic nation committed to upholding the principles of justice, freedom, and democracy. It is imperative for President Tinubu’s administration to take decisive action to uphold the rule of law and ensure accountability for any breaches of democratic norms.

Furthermore, with news of this incident spreading rapidly across international media platforms, the Nigerian government under President Tinubu’s leadership faces the risk of being perceived as a scary place in terms of human rights by international donors, civil societies, and major democracies such as the United States, Britain, France, Germany, and others. The credibility of Nigeria’s democratic institutions hinges on transparent and accountable governance, especially in moments of crisis such as this.

If indeed Olatunji is found to have been in the custody of the military, it would necessitate drastic action against those responsible for violating democratic norms and human rights. Such action is crucial not only to ensure justice for Olatunji and his family but also to send a clear message that abuses of power will not be tolerated in Nigeria’s democratic system.

In conclusion, the time for urgent democratic action is now. President Tinubu and the police must prioritize the immediate release of Segun Olatunji and provide transparent updates throughout the investigative process. Nigeria’s commitment to democracy and human rights hangs in the balance, and failure to act swiftly will only erode the trust of its citizens and the international community. Let justice prevail, and let democracy reign.

Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, is an American-based police and prison scientist, forensic psychologist, public policy psychologist, and legal psychologist. He’s a government advisor on forensic-clinical psychological services in the USA and the founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation for Psychological Health. With a significant role in introducing forensic psychology to Nigeria through N.U.C. and Nasarawa State University, he’s also a former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Psychological Association. He’s taught at esteemed institutions like Florida Memorial University, Florida International University, Nova Southeastern University, and more, and is currently an online faculty member at Weldios University, Nexus International University, and Walden University. John.Oshodi@mail.waldenu.edu