Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Rivers State Police Command has said it is not aware of the arrest of human rights activist Onwuka Chimezie, popularly known as Mezie, who was reportedly taken into custody by officers of the command's Anti-Kidnapping Squad on Friday, September 4, 2026, at about 3 p.m., allegedly at the instance of the state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju Adewole. The command also said it was not aware of the allegations of land grabbing and alleged support for land grabbers levelled against the police commissioner, adding that the matter is currently being handled by the Force Criminal Investigation Department in Abuja.
Mezie, a public affairs commentator, was arrested over comments he made concerning allegations that the police commissioner had supported land grabbers in the state. His arrest has raised concerns among rights activists and others who have questioned the circumstances surrounding his detention and the involvement of the police commissioner in the matter. However, when contacted by SaharaReporters for clarification, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, ASP Blessing Agabe, said she was not aware of the allegations and directed further inquiries to the Force CID in Abuja.
"Good evening. I am not aware of the allegations stated. However, the matter is currently being handled by the Force Criminal Investigation Department (Force CID) in Abuja," Agabe said. She added: "For further clarification or inquiries concerning the matter, kindly direct your questions to the appropriate authorities at the Force CID, Abuja, who are better positioned to provide the necessary information".
Despite Mezie's reported arrest by officers attached to its Anti-Kidnapping Squad, the command says it does not have information on the allegations surrounding the arrest and has referred inquiries to the Force CID in Abuja. The development has sparked outrage among human rights lawyers, who have petitioned the Inspector-General of Police demanding the immediate and unconditional release of the activist. The lawyers, acting under WCE & Co. Chambers/Waynes Court, said Mezie was arrested in Abuja on September 4 by officers of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Rivers State Police Command.
According to the petition, the arrest was connected to comments, criticisms and allegations publicly made by Mezie concerning Adewole, including allegations relating to land grabbing and alleged support for persons accused of land grabbing. The lawyers said they were not seeking to establish the truth or otherwise of those allegations. "If the allegations are false, the affected public officer has lawful remedies available to him. If they disclose any criminal conduct, the Nigeria Police Force equally possesses lawful investigative powers," they said.
The lawyers raised concerns over the reported attempt to transport Mezie by road from Abuja to Port Harcourt, saying the journey was eventually discontinued at Enugu. Mezie was subsequently taken to the Police FCID in Area 10, Abuja, where he had remained in custody for several days. They argued that the police's power to arrest and investigate suspected criminals did not make every arrest lawful, stressing that Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees the right to personal liberty.
"The existence of a power of arrest does not make every arrest lawful," the lawyers said, adding that the police were required to respect the constitutional rights and dignity of persons in custody. They further argued that public officials were subject to scrutiny and criticism and that allegations of defamation should be addressed through appropriate legal channels. "A public officer is necessarily subject to public scrutiny, criticism and accountability," they said. They added: "The police station cannot become a substitute for the courtroom, nor can arrest become a punishment for speech or criticism".
The lawyers said Mezie had been in police custody for more than 72 hours, describing the situation as requiring urgent intervention by the IGP. They demanded that any criminal allegation against him be clearly communicated, that his constitutional rights be respected and that he be brought before a competent court if there was sufficient evidence to prosecute him. "What is unacceptable is the continued detention of a citizen at Police FCID, Area 10, Abuja, without transparent communication of any alleged offence," they said.
Human rights advocate Marshal Abubakar has also called for the removal of CP Adewole over the alleged unlawful arrest and detention. Abubakar alleged that Mezie was arrested by officers of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the Rivers State Police Command at the alleged instance of the police commissioner. According to him, the activist was arrested over his comments concerning allegations of land grabbing and alleged support for land grabbers made against Adewole. Abubakar described the arrest and attempted transportation as a violation of the 1999 Constitution, the Police Act 2020 and Police Regulations 2025, as well as international human rights instruments.
Citing the judgment in Isenalumhe v. Amasu & 3 Ors. (2001) 1 CHR 458, Abubakar said the police had a responsibility to protect citizens' liberty and dignity. He quoted the court as stating: "The police have the responsibility to enhance the quality of the liberty and dignity of the citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as guaranteed by the Constitution". Abubakar also cited the Supreme Court's comments on police brutality in State v. Rabiu (2013) 8 NWLR, quoting the court as saying: "The duty of the police is to curb crime to safeguard lives and property". He further quoted the judgment as stating that it appeared some police officers "now compete with criminals in the commission of the very crimes they should check".
Abubakar argued that police powers should not be used to settle personal scores, stressing that public officials must be prepared to face scrutiny and criticism. He also cited Regulation 169 of the Police Regulations, which provides that a police officer shall not conduct himself in a manner that brings his private interests into conflict with his public duties or creates reasonable suspicion that private interests influenced the discharge of official duties. He further referenced Regulation 170, which requires police officers to "respect the human rights and dignity of a person in custody". Abubakar alleged that the treatment of Mezie amounted to torture and violated provisions of Nigerian law as well as international human rights instruments. He called for "immediate disciplinary action" against Adewole and the officers involved in the alleged arrest and transportation of Mezie.
As the controversy continues to unfold, the Rivers State Police Command has maintained its position of ignorance, while the Force CID in Abuja is said to be handling the matter. The lawyers have given the IGP an ultimatum to release Mezie or face legal action. For now, the activist remains in custody, and the questions surrounding his arrest and detention remain unanswered.
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