From Our Reporter, Abuja

There is anxiety within the Abuja legal circle following the continued detention of a legal practitioner, Mr. Nwokedi Jideofor, by operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command.

His law firm, Nwokedi, Ifegbo & Co., has raised the alarm over his safety, alleging that he is being tortured and held incommunicado at the Karu Police Division over “vague allegations” linked to advocacy for Same-Sex Marriage and LGBT rights.

In a strongly worded statement issued in Abuja yesterday by the Managing Partner of the firm, Mr. Ifegbo Ikechukwu, the firm described the situation as “deeply troubling” and a flagrant violation of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

It was gathered that Mr. Jideofor was picked up from his residence in the early hours of Tuesday, December 20, 2016, by officers attached to the Karu Police Station and have remained in custody without access to his family or legal team.

According to the firm, the police are justifying the detention based on claims that the lawyer is associated with gay rights advocacy, a sensitive issue under the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act. However, the firm insists that the nature of an allegation does not suspend a citizen’s fundamental human rights.

“We have received credible information suggesting that Mr. Jideofor is being subjected to physical and psychological abuse in custody,” Ikechukwu stated. “He has allegedly been denied meaningful access to family members, medical evaluation, and legal representation.”

The firm warned that the matter had gone beyond a lawful investigation and called on the FCT Commissioner of Police, Mr. Muhammad Mustafa, to intervene immediately.

“We emphasize that no allegation, socially controversial or otherwise, authorizes torture or permits the Police to keep a citizen in custody beyond constitutionally permitted periods without being brought before a court,” the statement read.

“If there is a case, the proper place to ventilate it is in court, not through secret detention and mistreatment. We are asking the Police leadership to intervene immediately: allow family and lawyers to see him, ensure he is medically examined, and either charge him properly or release him.”

The firm demanded that the police disclose the identity of the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) and the specific legal basis for the continued incarceration.

Efforts to reach the FCT Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Anjuguri Manzah, for comments on the allegations of torture and denial of access, he could not be reached as of the time of filing this report.

Legal experts have expressed concern over the development, noting that even under the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act, suspects are entitled to the presumption of innocence and humane treatment while in custody.

The firm has vowed to pursue all lawful means to secure Mr. Jideofor’s release or prompt arraignment.