CSO Intervenes As Edo Police Pay Tricyclist N20,000 Compensation For Illegal Detention

Awka – A commercial motorcyclist, Victor Asuquo has received the sum of N20,000 from the Edo State Police as compensation for the income loss he suffered after he was detained illegally by the Police.

Mr Asuquo’s tricycle was said to have been detained illegally last week Thursday by operatives of the Edo Police Command for his inability to present his rider’s permit.

According to the Public Relations Officer, Edo Civil Society Organisations (EDOCSO), Leftist Aliyu Umweni, the Civil Society in the state, took up the matter, resulting in the intervention of the State Police Commissioner.

“It was like the usual horrifying and oppressive experience suffered by motorists, motorcycle and tricycle riders in the hands of personnel of the Nigeria Police Force until members of Edo Civil Society Organisations changed the narrative recently.

“On Thursday, Mr. Asuquo was plying Etete road in the GRA area of Benin City when some police officers on checkpoint stopped him to demand for his rider’s permit.

“His inability to present it led to the seizure and detention of his tricycle in Etete police station till the next day upon which it was released due to the intervention of some members of Edo Civil Society Organisations.

“On Friday which was the next day, Mr. Asuquo was on same road when same detachment of police officers stopped him again to demand for same rider’s permit which he offered explanations as to what transpired a previous day.

“All entreaties by Mr. Asuquo fell on deaf ears as they took the tricycle once again to the police station for another round of detention.

“Mr. Asuquo who was now distressed as his only means of livelihood has been taken away from him again approached the CSO’s leadership,” he narrated.

Umweni revealed that the Interim TEC Chairman of Edo Civil Society Organisations, Bishop Osadolor Ochei immediately constituted a team to look into the matter and take appropriate steps to see to the release of the tricycle.

“The team swung into action by first analysing the situation painstakingly and interrogating the powers of the police to demand for rider’s permit and subsequent detention of the tricycle.
“Having duly analysed the situation and concluded that no criminal offence had been preferred against the rider, they took necessary steps.

“A visit was paid to the police station to demand for the release of the tricycle and payment for the loss of income to the rider.
“It was clear the police couldn’t provide the constitutional powers donated to them to be demanding for rider’s permit and to detaining the tricycle.

“The Divisional Police Officer having been made to know the implications of the infractions done by her men, she resorted to resolution but the activists wouldn’t hear of it without a compensation for the detention of the tricycle which has led to loss of income to the rider,” he noted.

The EDOCSO spokesperson recalled that the DPO promised to make up for the loss of income for the tricycle rider on Monday the 18th day of October, 2021.

“On the said day, the sum of N20, 000 was handed to the tricycle rider for loss of income for the period his tricycle was detained in the station illegally,” he said.

He maintained that there is no more room for police oppression, intimidation and extortion in Edo state, saying the EDOCSO leadership led by Bishop Osadolor Ochei as the Interim TEC Chairman is committed to ensuring that the rights of citizens are respected and protected.

“This is victory for all Edo people.

“Knowing your rights and pursuing same is the sweetest thing to be experienced.

“EDOCSO promotes good governance, social justice and human rights,” he concluded.

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