24/04/2026
PRESS RELEASE
RE: POLICE ARBITRARY AND UNLAWFUL ARREST OF MR. ABULLAHI USMAN AND MR. ABUBAKIR USMAN BY THE DPO, BODE-OSI DIVISIONAL HEADQUARTERS, OLA-OLUWA LOCAL GOVERNMENT, OSUN STATE
Taawunu Human Rights Initiative (THURIST) strongly condemns the arbitrary, unlawful, and unacceptable arrest and harassment of Mr. Abullahi Usman and Mr. Abubakir Usman by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Bode-Osi Divisional Headquarters, Ola-Oluwa Local Government Area, Osun State.
We have been reliably informed that Mr. Abullahi Usman and Mr. Abubakir Usman were arrested following an incident in which a group of Fulani herdsmen allegedly grazed their cattle openly on farmland belonging to them, resulting in the total destruction of crops and plantations. It was further gathered that some persons, angered by the destruction, allegedly retaliated by assaulting some of the herdsmen involved.
Shockingly, rather than properly investigate the destruction of farmland and the violence that followed, the police reportedly arrested Mr. Abullahi Usman and Mr. Abubakir Usman after they had earlier been granted bail.
This action is deeply disturbing and legally indefensible. Once a suspect has been granted bail, any subsequent re-arrest must be based strictly on lawful grounds and due process.
Arbitrary re-arrest without proper justification amounts to abuse of police powers and a direct violation of the constitutional right to personal liberty as guaranteed under Section 35 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
It is alarming that the law, which ought to protect victims of injustice, is instead being used to oppress citizens who have already suffered severe losses to their livelihood. Such actions undermine public confidence in law enforcement institutions and encourage further abuse of power.
The Nigeria Police Force is a creation of law and must always act within the limits of the law.
In light of the foregoing, we demand the following:
1. Immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Abullahi Usman and Mr. Abubakir Usman, if they remain in custody.
2. A thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation into the conduct of the DPO, Bode-Osi Divisional Headquarters.
3. Appropriate disciplinary measures against any officer found culpable of violating the fundamental rights of the affected persons.
4. Written assurances that such unlawful acts will not be repeated.
We call on the Nigeria Police Force, the Commissioner of Police, Osun State Command, and all relevant oversight authorities to urgently intervene and ensure justice is done.
The protection of citizens’ rights must remain paramount, and no person should be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention under any guise.
Justice must not only be done, but must be seen to be done.
Signed:
S.A TADESE ESQ
THURIST Nigeria
23rd April, 2026
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