A human rights organisation, Save the Poor and Needy Charity Initiative (SPANCI), has called for the immediate release of a 38-year-old man, Adetunji Muritala Raji, who was arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Zone 5, Edo State.
The demand was contained in a petition signed by SPANCI President, Comrade Yemi Ezekiel Bello, and addressed to the Inspector General of Police.
The group described Raji’s arrest and continued detention—allegedly on the orders of one Miss Alimi Adeyinka Nafisat—as unlawful, illegal and unconstitutional. It said Raji was arrested in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, and taken to Zone 5 headquarters in Edo State on November 18, 2025, where he has remained in custody.
SPANCI urged the IGP to set up a panel to investigate the circumstances surrounding the case and ensure due process is followed.
According to the petition, the organisation fears Raji may have been coerced or may still be coerced into making statements favourable to Nafisat, who is said to reside in London and is expected to appear to “make her demand” before any further action is taken by police.
The group reminded the police leadership that the IGP has repeatedly warned officers against violating citizens’ fundamental rights or assuming jurisdiction over civil disputes. It stressed that the police are “not a debt recovery agency” but an institution mandated to investigate crime and maintain public order.
SPANCI called for a thorough investigation and insisted that any officer found culpable should face disciplinary or legal action. It also demanded Raji’s immediate release, arguing that his continued detention is unlawful.
The petition concluded by urging the police to ensure justice is done in the matter.
