A Civil Society Organization, Global Integrity Crusade Network, has filed a lawsuit against the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
According to Daily Post, the suit concerns the police’s failure to release the investigation report on the death of Mrs. Shitua Aso, a pregnant woman, Mrs.Shitua Aso, who was allegedly struck by a car driven by Asabe Waziri, an employee of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
This incident occurred in front of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command in Garki 2, Abuja, around May 30, 2010.
In a petition dated May 2, 2024, GICN accused Waziri of hitting the pregnant woman with her car.
Despite an immediate police investigation, the findings have not been released 14 years later. GICN demanded the report’s release, but after receiving no response, they have now taken the matter to court.
The lawsuit, numbered FHC/ABM/CS/742/2024 and dated May 29, 2024, seeks a mandamus order compelling the IGP to release the final investigation report.
The plaintiff argues that the IGP’s failure to provide the requested information violates Sections 4 and 5 of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, deeming it unjustifiable, wrongful, and illegal.
GICN’s suit further contends that, under Section 1 of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, the IGP, as a public official and custodian of information at the Nigeria Police Force, is legally obligated to furnish the requested information.
The suit highlights Section 4 of the Police Act, 2020, which empowers the Nigeria Police Force to prevent and detect crime, apprehend offenders, preserve law and order, protect life and property, and enforce all laws and regulations.
“On 2nd May, 2024 the applicant (GICN) wrote a letter to the respondent (IGP) requesting for a comprehensive and detailed FINAL INVESTIGATION REPORT of the case involving Asabe Waziri who hit a pregnant woman named Mrs Shitua Aso with her car in front of the FCT Police Command, Garki 2, Abuja, on 30 May, 2010.
“Till date, the respondent has failed, refused and or neglected to avail the applicant access to the information and documents requested vide their letter dated 2nd May, 2024, which was received at the office of the Respondent on 3rd May, 2024.
“The 7 (Seven) days within which the respondent is required by Section 4 (a) of the Freedom of Information Act. 2011 to furnish the applicant with the information and documents sought began to run from 4th May, 2024, and elapsed on 10 May, 2024.
“However, the respondent did not comply with Section 4 (b) of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, by giving notice to the applicant that access to all or part of the information sought will not be granted, stating reasons for the denial and the Section of the Act under which the denial is made.
“Unless and until the respondent is compelled by an Order of this Honourable Court, he will continue to refuse the applicant access to the information and documents sought by them from the respondent.
“The failure, refusal and or neglect by the respondent to give the applicant access to the information and documents sought is unjustifiable, wrongful and illegal.
“The applicant is aggrieved and hereby applies that this Honourable Court invokes the provisions of Freedom of Information Act, 2011 particularly Section 1 (3) thereof by issuing a Writ of Mandamus compelling the respondent to allow the applicant access to the information and documents sought in their letter dated 2nd May, 2024, submitted to the respondent in line with his duty.”
The hearing date for the suit has not yet been scheduled.
