SUNTV GLOBAL CHANNEL REPORT
Families of two Ondo State residents, Felix Fasehun and Oyewole Oladipupo, have cried out over what they describe as harsh bail conditions imposed by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Response Team (IRT), following their controversial arrest and detention.
According to family sources who spoke to SaharaReporters, the two men — said to be small-scale farmers — were allegedly picked up from their homes in Okeigbo community, Ondo State, and transported to Abuja after a dispute reportedly linked to a land ownership case already before a court.
Allegations of “Gestapo-Style” Arrest
Family members claim the arrests were carried out in a violent manner, with one of the men allegedly dragged from his bed, beaten, restrained, and driven for nearly 12 hours to Abuja in what they described as an attempt to “break their spirits.”
Oyewole, who had just been discharged from hospital care, was reportedly recuperating at home when operatives stormed the premises.
Sources say the police justified the action by framing the matter as a criminal case involving threats to life, despite claims that the dispute remains a civil case currently under litigation.
Bail Conditions Spark Outrage
Relatives insist the men remain in detention because they cannot meet the bail requirements, describing the terms as “extremely tough” for individuals with limited financial means and no connections in Abuja.
“They are poor farmers who have never been to Abuja and don’t know anyone there,” a family source said.
Questions Over Jurisdiction
Legal observers have also questioned why suspects were transported far outside the state where the alleged incident occurred, despite the presence of multiple police commands within Ondo.
A lawyer familiar with the matter described the move as “forum shopping” and warned it could undermine due process.
Claims of Prior Police Dismissal
Sources further alleged that the complainants had earlier reported the same dispute to local police authorities, where the claims were reportedly dismissed after investigation.
Despite this, the matter was later escalated to higher police formations, eventually leading to the involvement of the IRT from Abuja.
Calls for Investigation
Human rights advocates are now demanding an independent probe into the conduct of the officers involved, warning that failure to address the situation could deepen public distrust in law enforcement institutions.
Police authorities have yet to issue an official public statement on the allegations, although sources say the IRT leadership has indicated disciplinary action could follow if torture claims are proven.
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