‘Release him now’ — Family petitions IGP over detained man

The family of Godwin Francis Akpan has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, over his continued detention despite an order by the Federal Capital Territory High Court directing his release.

The family, through its lawyer, Edeh Uchenna, demanded Akpan’s immediate release, alleging that his continued detention amounted to a violation of his fundamental rights.

Akpan’s detention reportedly followed a police investigation arising from a dispute between his employer and another company, which the family described as essentially commercial and civil in nature.

In the petition, obtained by The Star, the lawyer said Akpan had been detained over allegations of criminal conduct but had not been charged before a court.

While acknowledging the police’s statutory powers to investigate alleged offences, Uchenna argued that such powers must be exercised in accordance with due process, individual liberty and respect for judicial authority.

The lawyer said the FCT High Court’s release order remained binding unless it was lawfully set aside, varied or stayed by a competent court.

He therefore urged the Inspector-General to ensure immediate compliance with the court order and allow any outstanding investigation to proceed through lawful and transparent procedures.

“We are not seeking immunity from investigation,” the family said in the petition, stressing that it was not asking the police or any other institution to determine the merits of the underlying commercial dispute outside the appropriate legal forum.

The petition also called for respect for Akpan’s constitutional and legal rights and urged the authorities to handle the commercial and investigative issues through the appropriate judicial and institutional channels.