PLIGHTTALK NEWS
The Anti-Imperialist Nigeria has demanded an immediate end to the alleged harassment, intimidation and assault of landlords and residents of Zone E, Shiloh Community in Kurudu, Abuja, calling for an independent People’s Investigative Committee to investigate the unfolding dispute.
The organisation made the demand in a statement signed by Daniel Akande, a member of The Anti-Imperialist Nigeria, expressing solidarity with Comrade Sadare Oladimeji, Comrade Salako Kayode, Mr Charles and eight other landlords and residents who, according to the organisation, have allegedly faced repeated intimidation, arrests and violent treatment since June 2026.
The Anti-Imperialist Nigeria alleged that on 7 June 2026, four police officers were brought into the community from Central Police Station, following which some of the affected residents and activists were arrested over alleged threats to life. They were later released on bail after questioning.
The organisation further alleged that on 29 August, a complaint of attempted murder was lodged at Kurudu Police Station despite claims by affected residents that evidence presented to the police indicated that the violence had allegedly been initiated by Mr Bassey Akpan Edet and members of his family.
According to the statement, eight landlords were subsequently detained during a mass arrest in the community on 11 September.
The organisation said that despite a reported peace undertaking reached under the directive of Area Commander ACP Benjamin Egu from noon that day, those arrested were not released on bail until around 6pm.
The Anti-Imperialist Nigeria described the situation as unacceptable, arguing that the increasing involvement of the police has intensified fear and tension in the community rather than resolving the dispute.
The organisation has also rejected a police-led investigation into the allegations, particularly because allegations have been made against officers of the Kurudu Police Station.
It specifically cited allegations against the DPO of Kurudu Police Station, Musa Bawa, including an allegation that he assaulted and tortured one of the community members involved in the dispute.
The organisation said that where police officers themselves are accused of abuse, allowing the same institution to investigate the allegations would undermine the credibility and independence of the process.
‘OPEN THE POLICE RECORDS’
The Anti-Imperialist Nigeria is also demanding the immediate disclosure of police records relating to the Kurudu dispute, including records concerning arrests, complaints, investigations, detention and other police actions.
It said the affected community, workers and the wider public should have access to the records necessary to establish what happened.
Going beyond the immediate dispute, the organisation called for the opening of the archives and records of the Nigeria Police Force to public scrutiny, arguing that allegations of police torture, unlawful detention, extrajudicial killings and other abuses should not remain hidden within police files.
It maintained that affected communities, workers’ organisations and independent people’s organisations should have the ability to investigate allegations of police abuse rather than relying exclusively on internal police investigations.
CALL FOR PEOPLE’S INVESTIGATIVE COMMITTEE
The organisation is demanding the establishment of an independent People’s Investigative Committee comprising representatives of affected residents, workers’ organisations and trade unions, community representatives, progressive civil society organisations and other independent persons acceptable to the affected parties.
According to the organisation, the committee should hear all sides, interview victims and witnesses, examine available evidence, review relevant police records and publish its findings.
It also demanded that anyone found responsible for assault, torture, intimidation, unlawful detention or abuse of authority be held accountable.
The organisation called on workers and trade unionists in the Ministry of Health to take the allegations seriously, insisting that trade union positions must not be used as instruments of personal intimidation or violence.
It further called on community organisations, workers’ organisations and progressive forces in Kurudu to support affected residents and demand protection for victims and witnesses against further intimidation or retaliation.
The Anti-Imperialist Nigeria’s demands include an immediate end to the alleged harassment of Zone E residents, an independent investigation outside the police institution, disclosure of relevant police records, broader public access to police archives, accountability for anyone found responsible for abuses and protection for affected residents, activists and witnesses.
The allegations contained in the statement are claims made by the organisation and affected residents. They require independent investigation and verification by the appropriate authorities or an independent investigative body.
