Bail is Free Campaign Group Demands Immediate Removal of AIG Zone 5, Officers Over Alleged Unprofessional Conduct
By Simeon OSAJIE
The Bail is Free Campaign Group (BFCG) has demanded the immediate removal of the AIG Zone 5 Headquarter, Benin City, and his Officers Over Alleged unprofessional conduct and failure to uphold the fundamental human rights of Nigerian citizens.
In a letter signed by its Coordinator, Comrade Oni Edigin, addressed to the Director, State Security Service (DSS) and made available to newsmen in Benin stated that the plan protest slated for 14th February, 2025 will continue until the enforcement of the Police Act 2020 and measures to ensure a corruption-free police force are implemented and also demand justice and accountability until our voices are heard and action is taken.
The letter reads:
“The Director, State Security Service (DSS)
Benin City.
“EMERGENCY CALL FOR PEACEFUL PROTEST AGAINST FRAUDULENT EXTORTION BY NIGERIA POLICE FORCE, AIG ZONE 5 HEADQUARTER BENIN CITY
“We, the Human Rights Activists mentioned above, are dedicated to supporting the Federal Government of Nigeria in building a fair and just society. We believe the Nigeria Police Force, as a critical institution, must be free of corruption to effectively contribute to the nation’s progress.
“REASONS FOR THE PROTEST:
“Call for Accountability and Removal of AIG Zone 5 Leadership: We demand the removal of the AIG Zone 5 Headquarters’ head, the two ICs, and other officers involved in fraudulent activities.
“Ignored Complaints and Petitions: Despite numerous petitions and complaints sent to the AiG’s official WhatsApp number regarding fraudulent activities within his command, there has been no action or response.
“Recent Incident of Negligence: On 12th February 2025, a Nigerian citizen reported a case of corruption in the “Bail is Free” WhatsApp group involving AIG Zone 5 Headquarters, Benin City. Multiple calls were made to the AIG to address the issue, but he neither answered nor returned the calls. This silence raises concerns of complicity in corruption.
“Assault on Human Rights Activist: On 13th February 2025, during a visit to the AIG’s office to express our dissatisfaction with his non-compliance with the Police Act 2020 (Section 4), one of our comrades was assaulted by station guards for recording in a public space, leaving him severely injured.
“Intimidation and Threats: During a personal visit to report misconduct directly to the AIG, we were aggressively dismissed by the two ICs. They insulted us, calling us jobless, and belittled the matter by asking, “What is Twenty Thousand Naira (M20,000) to report?” They also threatened the victim who came forward to report police misconduct.
“Pattern of Misconduct: We possess numerous complaints and evidence of misconduct within the AiG’s jurisdiction, which reinforce our demand for immediate action.
“OUR DEMANDS:
“Immediate removal of the AIG Zone 5 Headquarter Benin City, and his complicit Officers for their unprofessional conduct and failure to uphold the fundamental human rights of Nigerian citizens.
“Enforcement of the Police Act 2020 and measures to ensure a corruption-free police orce.
“PROTEST DETAILS: Date: 14th February 2025. Time: 9:00 AM. Location: AIG Zone 5 Headquarters, Benin City.
“Purpose: To demand justice and accountability until our voices are heard and action is taken.
“For more information, visit our Facebook page: Bail is Free Campaign Group Organization.
“In solidarity with the struggle for justice.
“Signed: Oni Edigin, Coordinator, Bail Is Free Campaign Group”.
